As global energy consumption accelerates, driven particularly by data centres, utilities and other important infrastructure, the need for reliable, and lower-emission backup power has never been greater.
To meet this growing need, Volvo Penta’s new natural gas engine is designed to deliver dependable performance that scales with the demands of these high-growth sectors.
The G17 natural gas engine, a counterpart to Volvo Penta’s D17 genset engine, represents a significant step forward in the company’s transformation journey, delivering fuel flexibility and scalable performance.
“The energy transition isn’t one-size-fits-all,” said Kristian Vekas, Product Manager for Industrial Power Generation at Volvo Penta.
“It requires multiple technologies and fuel pathways working in parallel. The G17 expands our power generation portfolio with a gas option engineered to meet rising global demand for dependable, lower-emission solutions that are backed by the strength of the Volvo Group and our global support network. It reflects our commitment to providing customers with fit-for-purpose solutions to support their energy objectives as the landscape continues to evolve.”
Built on the same platform as the D17 engine, the G17, a 17-litre, 6-cylinder, spark-ignited model, operates on both pipeline-quality, conventional natural gas and renewable natural gas, offering a power alternative that can support customers in reducing their carbon footprint today while maintaining performance and uptime.
The G17’s ability to run using both pipeline-quality natural gas and renewable natural gas provides customers with a lower-carbon alternative to diesel in applications where uptime, environmental performance and operational resilience are critical. The flexible design allows operators to connect directly to existing gas infrastructure, simplifying installation and eliminating the need for additional fuel conditioning systems.
“The G17 is engineered to deliver lower emissions without trade-offs,” Vekas said. “Its flexible fuel capability helps reduce carbon intensity while maintaining the power density, responsiveness and durability customers expect from Volvo Penta’s heavy-duty platform.”
Engineered to deliver about 450 kW at 1,800 rpm, the G17 offers high power output from a compact footprint. With a smaller enclosure, customers have the capability to reduce installation space and housing material costs, while optimized load acceptance and fast power delivery help ensure dependable performance during demand spikes or grid transitions.
Advanced combustion controls, low-pressure Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), high-efficiency three-way catalyst and compliance with EPA stationary power application standards make it a relevant option for companies with strong ESG commitments or strict air quality zones.
The engine’s compact, stackable platform is ideally suited for space-contained environments such as data centres. The natural gas engine can also be integrated into broader energy strategies that combine internal combustion engines with renewable fuels and battery systems for energy storage. This modular, scalable architecture enables operators to build flexible power systems that can evolve with changing demand.
A streamlined component layout and fewer cylinders improve serviceability and can contribute to reduced total cost of ownership over the engine’s lifecycle.
“With the G17 gas engine, Volvo Penta is expanding its ability to deliver integrated energy solutions that combine proven technology, emerging fuel pathways and strong service,” Vekas said. “This approach gives customers a reliable, scalable foundation to progress with their long-term energy goals.”
