Engines as the Backbone of a Reliable Energy Transition
Spotlight interview with
Juan Velasco
Business development manager at Wärtsilä and an expert in renewable energy solutions
Blackout proved that resilience is essential.
During the Iberian blackout, Barajas Airport remained operational thanks to Wärtsilä’s grid technology. This was a vivid reminder that resilience is not a luxury, but a necessity. Critical infrastructure like airports and hospitals cannot afford even a momentary halt. This episode illustrates why resilient energy solutions are central to the functioning of modern societies.
“It is clear that periods of capacity deficits and surpluses, as well as voltage and frequency disturbances will increase as the share of renewable energy grows.”
To address this, Juan Velasco, representing Wärtsilä, argues that we need reliable and flexible assets that can respond both in the short and long term to balance the variability of renewable generation.
"In short, engines provide grid stability and resilience, and their flexibility enables a higher share of renewable energy."
Velasco’s Perspective: Flexibility as Enabler
Juan Velasco emphasizes that flexibility is the backbone of the energy system of the future.
"Flexible power systems allow us to integrate variable renewables, balance sudden disruptions, and ensure that critical infrastructure remains secure. Keeping the lights on is only one part of the equation; the real goal is ensuring a reliable and resilient transition.
Flexibility and Renewable Energy Integration
The key takeaway is that without flexible, dispatchable power, the energy transition cannot succeed. Engines and turbines are the backbone that make renewables reliable. Engines can provide stability and resilience to the power grid, and facilitate greater penetration of renewable energy thanks to their flexibility.
Strengthening System Resilience
Velasco emphasizes that in order to enable the continued growth of renewable energy, it is time to consider the best ways to enhance system resilience.
The fastest and most effective way to improve resilience is through conventional fossil fuels, primarily natural gas, which can in the future be converted to sustainable fuels.
Many large power plants, especially combined‑cycle plants, may not be well prepared for the flexibility required by decarbonization.
Therefore, new medium‑sized reciprocating engines and turbines, operating as distributed, reliable, and dispatchable generation, should be considered to strengthen the resilience and flexibility of the power system.
Future Energy Needs
For renewable energy sources to continue expanding, we need firm, dispatchable, flexible, and reliable energy, which these solutions can provide. And while battery storage has its role in addressing short‑term challenges, solutions like engines and turbines are seen as the best options for medium‑ and long‑term needs.
At the upcoming Energy Technology event hosted by Cámara de Comercio Hispano‑Finlandesa, Juan Velasco will share his insights on how flexible power systems and resilient energy solutions can enable the continued growth of renewables and strengthen the reliability of future grids.
