The Wartsila 31 marine engine, designed in Finland, is capable of burning diesel, dual fuel, or marine gasoline to produce clean electricity. It holds the record as the most efficient four-stroke marine engine in its category, as recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records. This engine has the highest power per cylinder compared to any other engine with the same cylinder bore, with the ability to use 8-16 cylinders and provide an output power of 4.6-10.4 MW at 720-750 rpm.
Wartsila, a Finnish company known for producing some of the world’s largest internal combustion engines, has developed the Wartsila 31 as a more compact option for marine applications. Despite its smaller size, the Wartsila 31 can generate up to 13,142 horsepower or 9,800 kW using fossil fuels. The engine is now being converted into a generator in two versions: the 31SG-H2, which can run on natural gas, a mixture of natural gas and hydrogen, or 100% hydrogen, and the 31H2, designed to run solely on hydrogen.
Wartsila’s hydrogen-powered power station concept is intended to support grids relying on variable and intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar. By utilizing hydrogen, Wartsila aims to produce 100% carbon-free electricity, contributing to a more sustainable energy future. The company’s president, Anders Lindberg, emphasizes the role of natural gas in the transition to a more environmentally-friendly energy system, with the ability to switch to hydrogen when it becomes more widely available.
The Wartsila hydrogen engines have received phase 1 certification from TÜV SUD and are expected to be ready for use by 2026. These engines are poised to be the world’s largest hydrogen generators if sufficient hydrogen resources become accessible. Wartsila’s innovative approach to power generation demonstrates a commitment to reducing emissions and transitioning to cleaner energy sources for a greener future.