Rolls-Royce sets out decarbonisation plan

Rolls-Royce Power Systems has released details of its plan to cut greenhouse gas emission by 35% by the end of this decade, compared with 2019, and to become ‘net zero’ by 2050 at the latest.

“With ‘Net Zero at Power Systems’, we’re not just taking action to protect the environment,” explained Andreas Schell, the company’s CEO. “We’re re-aligning our strategy towards eco-friendly energy and propulsion systems. We already see these explicitly as growth opportunities for our business in the coming years.”

A key element of the plan is for mtu engines to be adapted and certified to run on sustainable fuels from 2023. Series 2000 and 4000 engines, which account for about 85% of sales revenue, will be certified to run on second-generation biofuels and E-fuels, the company said.

The engines are used in applications including shipping, energy supply, heavy industrial vehicles, trains and yachts.