Wartsila continues its collaboration with LUT University (Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology LUT) aiming to the use of data in long-term strategic planning and thinking about how to meet the challenges of a 100% renewable energy future.
Wartsila began collaborating with LUT in 2007. Now, the two partners focus on a wide range of issues, including strategic system modelling for countries across the globe looking at demand response, peak power and sector coupling in the electricity market.
The partners have also examined the various aspects of Power-to-X, vessel power system hybridization, and waste heat recovery systems.
Wartsila has used the university’s expertise to create modelling systems for India and many Africa countries. In May 2020, Wärtsilä launched the Atlas of 100% Renewable Energy, an interactive map that uses some of the data to explore what an optimal 100% renewable future could look like.
Petteri Laaksonen, Research Director of Energy Systems at LUT University, commented
We are working on multiple levels varying from long-term scope to today’s business-related technical issues.
Moreover, LUT University benefits from Wärtsilä’s commitment to achieving a renewable energy future.
Laaksonen says that one of the highlights of the partnership has been a project with Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD), the largest electricity utility in the U.S. state of Nebraska. The program, which is developing a business case for the use of alternative fuels, is just one of many collaborative projects taking place. And there are more to come: the partners have just signed an extension that extends the collaboration until March 2021.
As with the other areas where LUT University and Wärtsilä have worked together, using the university’s expertise will benefit the university.