In the global discourse on climate change, the transition to sustainable power is often reduced to a simple formula: "replace fossil fuels with renewables." However, for those responsible for the stability of industrial and utility microgrids, we know that decarbonisation is not a simple game of substitution. It is an intricate engineering challenge of integration and optimisation.

Adding solar and wind capacity provides the essential foundation for decarbonisation. However, to translate this capacity into reliable power, real cost savings and meaningful emission reductions, it must be paired with a holistic strategy that accounts for the inherent volatility of high renewable penetration.

For many power producers and industrial operators in Africa, the primary hurdle isn't a lack of intent; it is the inability to secure a return on investment on renewable assets. This failure often stems from unoptimised dispatch, driven by the inherent complexity of hybrid microgrids. With load demand, renewable generation and reserve requirements all in constant flux, optimisation becomes a critical challenge.

In this volatile environment, operators must simultaneously optimise battery storage systems’ dispatch and state of charge, maximise renewable utilisation, and manage engine loading, all while balancing cost minimisation and grid reliability. Without sophisticated coordination, the system suffers from inefficiency, renewable curtailment, unreliability and even blackouts.

Intelligent Optimisation

Drawing on 79 GW of installed capacity, decarbonisation technologies supplier Wärtsilä offers a unique vantage point into the complexities of the global energy transition. We bridge the gap between volatility and reliability by serving as both an engine technology original equipment manufacturer and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) integrator, providing the flexible, dispatchable assets that anchor the grid as renewable energy grows.

Our expertise extends beyond hardware; as a lifecycle services provider; we understand the long-term behaviour of these assets throughout their entire lifespan, and we are uniquely positioned to optimise their dispatch for maximum reliability, availability and efficiency. At the centre of this ecosystem is our Energy Management System, the digital intelligence that integrates and optimises every component to unlock the full performance of modern microgrids.

Looking at the operational data from our recent decarbonisation analyses, we see three critical shifts when intelligent optimisation is applied.

Maximised renewable utilisation: Unoptimised microgrids can unnecessarily curtail more than 20% of renewable energy – an avoidable loss that increases cost and undermines emissions reduction goals. By implementing intelligent, forecast-based dispatch, the system anticipates fluctuations in weather and demand. This ensures that every kilowatt-hour generated by the sun or wind is prioritised, eliminating the systemic inefficiencies and energy waste that often plague unoptimised grids.

Optimised fuel consumption and engine running hours: By prioritising renewable offtake and using BESS for fast-acting system reserves, we can decrease the number of engines required to be online and ensure they run at their most optimised efficient heat rates, significantly lowering the total fuel spend, emissions, and need for maintenance.

Dynamic reserve management: Sophisticated dispatch ensures that the system’s reserve requirements are always met, regardless of fluctuations in renewable output or load. By constantly calculating the necessary reserves, the system maintains grid stability and mitigates the risk of outages.

Bridging the Gap

In systems where grid stability is a constant concern, we cannot afford to guess. This is why our engineering process relies heavily on techno-economic modelling and dynamic simulations. In addition to modelling the economically most optimal asset mix and dispatch philosophy, we stress-test systems against worst-case contingencies, such as a sudden cloud cover event or a trip in an overhead line.

By accurately modelling and preparing for these scenarios, we ensure that the system remains within frequency and voltage limits, providing the reliability that industrial users and utilities demand. This technical feasibility is what turns a "green ambition" into a bankable project.

Partnership

Decarbonisation is a journey that spans decades, not a one-time equipment purchase. This is the philosophy behind Wärtsilä’s Decarbonisation Services Agreement. We stand behind our technology by aligning our performance fees with customer value drivers, typically cost, reliability and carbon reduction. This ensures that every dispatch decision made by our system is focused on achieving clients’ specific targets, creating a partnership where our success is linked to key operational results. We move from being a technology vendor to a long-term partner, ensuring that the Levelised Cost of Electricity  remains as low as possible throughout the transition.

The transition to a low-carbon energy system is the defining engineering challenge of our generation. However, success will not be measured by the total megawatt-peak of solar panels installed, but by the resilience, emission reduction and economic viability of the grids they support.

The technology to achieve 100% renewable energy is already here. By combining flexible engine technology, advanced energy storage, and the intelligence of our energy management system we can navigate the complexities of today to secure the sustainable systems of tomorrow. In Africa, the roadmap is clear: we must stop just building assets and start engineering integrated energy systems.