Rolls-Royce has announced the successful commissioning of ten mtu gas-powered gensets at the Egyptian Wood Technology Company (WOTECH) production plant in Beheira, northern Egypt. These gensets will provide the facility with a stable electricity supply, as it operates off-grid, with no access to the public grid. The gensets, each with a rated power of 2,500 kW, collectively deliver a robust 25 megawatts of energy to the plant, ensuring uninterrupted operations.
The WOTECH plant, a trailblazer in sustainable manufacturing, produces medium-density fibreboard (MDF) from rice straw, a by-product of rice cultivation. This innovative approach not only replaces traditional wood with rice straw but also addresses critical environmental concerns, significantly reducing air pollution and CO2 emissions in Egypt. By repurposing rice straw into MDF, the facility contributes to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future, producing essential building materials for furniture, residential and commercial construction.
This plant is the second of its kind globally and the first in Africa, highlighting Egypt’s leadership in pioneering sustainable industrial practices. The project has received strong support from Egypt’s Petroleum Ministry, underscoring its importance in the nation’s drive toward sustainability.
Powering Innovation and Sustainability
Rolls-Royce worked in collaboration with local partner Engineering for Industries Co. (INDE) and Egyptian Maintenance Company (EMC) to supply the mtu Series 4000 L64 FNER gas gensets, along with the necessary controls and accessories. These gensets are engineered to deliver high power density, efficiency, and low emissions, making them a perfect fit for the energy needs of WOTECH’s off-grid production site.
Tobias Ostermaier, President of Rolls-Royce’s Stationary Power Solutions, emphasized the importance of reliable energy in such a unique project. “When supporting a project like the WOTECH facility, where there is no access to the grid utility, the dependability of our mtu gas-powered gensets is paramount,” he stated. “We were able to deliver a power solution that met all the customer requirements—efficient, reliable, and with best-in-class power density and low emissions.”
Each mtu genset boasts an impressive operational lifespan of up to 84,000 hours before requiring major overhaul (TBO), ensuring long-term operational reliability and minimal downtime for WOTECH’s production line.
Impact on Egypt’s Sustainable Development
WOTECH’s operations directly align with Egypt’s broader environmental goals, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices while reducing the harmful environmental impact of rice straw burning. The facility’s approach of turning rice straw into valuable building materials for furniture and construction reduces waste, supports Egypt’s burgeoning green economy, and positions the plant as a significant player in the country’s sustainable development initiatives.
By utilizing mtu gas gensets, Rolls-Royce has played a pivotal role in enabling WOTECH’s innovative process, ensuring the plant’s energy needs are met efficiently and with minimal environmental impact. This collaboration also serves as a model for other industries across Africa and the Middle East, where off-grid solutions and renewable energy sources are increasingly being sought.
Rolls-Royce’s Commitment to Sustainability
Rolls-Royce’s involvement in the WOTECH project is part of its broader commitment to sustainability and climate-friendly technologies. With its mtu-brand engines and energy systems, Rolls-Royce Power Systems is advancing the global energy transition, supporting customers in various sectors, including oil and gas, transportation, and renewable energy, to reduce emissions and enhance operational efficiency.
As a company committed to becoming net-zero by 2050, Rolls-Royce continues to integrate sustainability into its product portfolio, providing cutting-edge solutions that drive progress toward a greener future. The WOTECH project exemplifies this commitment, helping to accelerate Egypt’s transition to a low-carbon economy while promoting local innovation and industrial growth.
