Caterpillar Helps Utilities Accelerate Integration of Distributed Energy Resources by Securing UL Solutions Grid Code Certifications

For Worldwide Release: October 2023

IRVING, TEXAS – Caterpillar Inc. today announced that Cat^® G3500 series gas generator sets ranging from 750 kW to 2.5 MW are the first in the industry certified by UL Solutions to the IEEE 1547-2018 standard for the interconnection and interoperability of distributed energy resources (DERs) with associated electric power systems interfaces.

The Cat generator sets are certified to UL 1741 Third Edition Supplement B (SB) for meeting the requirements following testing at Kinectrics’ GridSim Power Laboratory in Toronto, Canada.

Grid code standards have become increasingly important as utilities address the energy transition through the expanded use of DERs, including renewable sources of energy. By selecting certified generator sets from the factory, customers can quickly and reliably add stable DERs to their portfolios, reducing commissioning time and accelerating the monetization of their distributed assets.

“Grid code compliance is becoming increasingly important for assuring reliability and resilience as utilities expand their use of DERs,” said Jason Kaiser, senior vice president for Caterpillar’s Electric Power Division. “By offering generator sets certified to UL 1741 SB, Caterpillar is demonstrating how we continue to offer solutions that simplify the energy transition.”

Through the certification, Cat^® generator sets certified or declared as grid code compliant are factory-tested and ready for customer installation with control system enhancements that interface with the utility grid to assure operation in compliance with the applicable grid code. Grid code controls are designed with the flexibility to accommodate a wide range of provisions such as different reactive power modes, active power functions, and connection conditions for normal operation or reconnection after mains decoupling.

Products certified to UL 1741 SB meet the requirements of the IEEE 1547-2018 standard for interconnection, grid support and interoperability of DERs through testing in accordance with IEEE Std 1547.1-2020. The certification process includes an evaluation and confirmation of the electrical characteristics of power generation equipment, including active and reactive power, low- and high-voltage and frequency ride throughs, protection and control systems, and power quality.

Caterpillar is strategically positioned to help utilities navigate the energy transition through a growing portfolio of power innovations and digital solutions backed by decades of experience supporting utilities worldwide. The company offers traditional generator sets and advanced, utility-scale energy storage technologies, as well as turnkey energy-as-a-service (EaaS) solutions to help utilities monitor, manage, and monetize DERs.

Caterpillar delivers innovative power systems engineered for sustainability, durability, reliability and value. The company offers worldwide product support, parts and services, and customer value agreements through the Cat dealer network. In addition, dealer technicians are trained to provide a comprehensive range of maintenance and services that help customers optimize the total cost of ownership of Cat equipment.

For more information, visit cat.com/utilities or e-mail Electric_Power@cat.com.