GE has unveiled the new J920 gas engine with a generating capacity of 9.5MW of electricity.

With electrical efficiency of 48.7%, the new engine is expected to provide enough energy for 18,500 average European households.

The J920 is especially suitable for decentralized, independent power supply in remote, hot or high-altitude regions for use in combined heat and power applications and the stabilization of power grids, GE said.

The prototype of the engine has been undergoing testing on a purpose-built test bench at GE’s Jenbacher manufacturing facilities in Austria.

The engine will be available for use in 2012 in countries where the power system frequency is 50 Hz and 60 Hz.

GE Power & Water president and CEO Steve Bolze said that as part of GE’s ongoing technical investment strategy, the J920 engine represents the company’s latest differentiated solution that offers decentralized power and top-of-its-class efficiency, reduced carbon emissions and a small, power-dense footprint.