Rolls-Royce Signs Long-Term Agreement with AVK to Ensure Generator Capacity

In London, AVK and Rolls-Royce recently signed a long-term framework agreement that secures production capacity for mtu Series 4000 emergency power generators over a five-year period. The contract complements a related agreement between AVK and Landmark Power Holdings to develop and install customized, low-carbon power solutions for data centers in the United Kingdom. Per the data center agreement:

• Rolls-Royce supplies mtu-brand gas engines
• Landmark Power Holdings integrates its FLEXPOWER PLUS carbon-capture technology
• AVK contributes its microgrid experience via design, EPC, and maintenance work

With these technologies and services, the partners are establishing a system that generates electricity while filtering CO₂ from the engines’ exhaust gases—a key aspect in decarbonizing the growing data center industry. The contract also provides Rolls-Royce with additional power capacity in the data center market and furthers the joint development of HVO-compatible solutions.

“With this agreement, both partners are reaffirming their commitment to leveraging their combined strengths to serve the booming European data center market,” said Vittorio Pierangeli, Senior Vice President of Power Generation, Rolls-Royce Power Systems. “We intend to further expand this partnership in the coming years.”

AVK supplies complete critical power solutions equipped with mtu Series 2000 and 4000 diesel engines, with power outputs ranging between 825 – 4,000 kVA. The company installs and then maintains these systems throughout their service lifecycles, and, in the past 10 years, Rolls-Royce has delivered 600 mtu gensets to AVK. For over 20 years, Rolls-Royce’s mtu gas engines have served as the primary emergency power system at AVK sites. Data centers must retain data and keep computing power available 24/7—even during public grid failures—so an emergency power system is always required.

Aside from diesel-fired generators, gas-based units may play a larger role for data centers in the future. Starting in 2026, Rolls-Royce will launch a 20-cylinder variant of the mtu Series 4000 L64 engine without a gearbox, saving space for data center operators. In the 60-Hz market, it ramps up to 2.8 MW in 45 seconds, offering a significant speed advantage and 10% more power than its predecessor. Currently, all Rolls-Royce mtu gas engines worldwide start in 120 seconds.

These upcoming fast-start generators are not only applicable in emergency power settings but may also be deployed in continuous operation—especially when the grid is weak. A 45-second fast-start capability means operators can get online, generate energy for the grid, and reduce emissions in a timely manner. The engines can operate for up to 84,000 hours and tolerate biogas, biomethane, and green hydrogen.

Emergency Power in Kuwait

Last month, the Directorate General for Civil Aviation, in cooperation with the Ministry of Public Works, awarded Rolls-Royce a contract to deliver seven mtu backup-power generators at the Kuwait International Airport. The 20-cylinder Series 4000 DS 3600 diesel generators will be installed in Terminal 2, providing power supply for the catering building, the airport’s central energy infrastructure, and other facilities.

The diesel gensets can operate reliably under extreme climatic conditions, specifically designed for ambient temperatures of up to 55 °C. Limak is acting as the project’s primary developer and genset delivery is scheduled for early 2026, followed by commissioning, testing, and handover. “We are proud that our products ensure the stable operation of critical infrastructure at the airport—even in this region with its extreme environmental conditions,” said Salim El Banna, Country Sales Manager UAE, Bahrain, Iraq & Kuwait, Rolls-Royce Power Systems.