MW Generator Sizes Compared: 1 MW, 1.5 MW, 2 MW, 3 MW and 4 MW
Diesel and gas generators from 1,000 kW to 4,000 kW
Generators from 1 MW to 4 MW cover most standby, prime and off-grid power needs for mines, factories, hospitals and data centres. Compare sizes, kVA ratings, fuels and live USP&E stock below.
Generator size comparison: 1 MW to 4 MW
| Size | kW | kVA @ 0.8 pf | Typical platforms in USP&E stock | Fuels in stock | Typical voltage in stock |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 MW | 1,000 | 1,250 | Cummins KTA50-G3, Caterpillar 3512, MTU 16V2000, Kohler KD1000, Jenbacher J320, Cat G3516 | Diesel, natural gas, biogas | 380–480 V (a few at 10.5 kV) |
| 1.5 MW | 1,500 | 1,875 | Caterpillar 3512B/3512/3516C, Cummins KTA50-G15/G9 | Diesel (gas: Cat G3512H, Jenbacher J420, MWM TCG 2020) | 400–600 V |
| 2 MW | 2,000 | 2,500 | Caterpillar 3516B/3516C, Cummins QSK60, MTU 16V4000, Perkins 4016 | Diesel, natural gas | 380–690 V (gas often 10.5–11 kV) |
| 3 MW | 3,000 | 3,750 | Jenbacher J620, Niigata 18V22AG, Bergen B32:40L6, Kawasaki M1T-23 | Mostly natural gas | 3.3–11 kV |
| 4 MW | 4,000 | 5,000 | Bergen B32:40L9, MWM TCG 2032V16, Niigata 12V28AHX, Caterpillar 3616 | Diesel, gas, HFO | 6.3–11.2 kV |
1 MW Generators
A 1 MW generator delivers 1,000 kW, which is 1,250 kVA at a 0.8 power factor. This size suits standby power for hospitals, data halls and commercial buildings, and prime power for smaller mines, factories and remote sites. Where the load is larger or redundancy matters, several 1 MW sets can run in parallel on common switchgear, so one unit can be serviced while the others carry the load.
1 MW generators in stock
- 1 MW new 2025 Cummins KTA50-G3 diesel generator (50 Hz)
- 1 MW new 2023 Cummins KTA50-G3 diesel generator (50 Hz)
- 1 MW used 2022 Kohler KD1000 diesel generator (60 Hz)
- 1 MW used 2019 MTU 16V2000 G865 diesel generator (60 Hz)
- 1 MW used Caterpillar 3512 diesel generator (50 Hz)
- 1 MW new 2023 Cummins K50N-G10 natural gas generator (60 Hz)
- 1 MW new 2018 Caterpillar G3516 natural gas generator (50 Hz)
- Slightly larger: 1.2 MW new 2025 Cummins KTA50G8 · 1.2 MW new 2025 Mitsubishi S12R · 1.25 MW used MTU 12V4000 (4,160 V)
1.5 MW Generators
A 1.5 megawatt generator is rated at 1,500 kW, or about 1,875 kVA. It is a common size for prime power at mid-sized mines and plants, and for standby at larger facilities. Most 1.5 MW units in stock are diesel, built on the Caterpillar 3512B, 3516C and Cummins KTA50 platforms.
2 MW Generators
Our most-requested unit in this size is the new 2 MW Caterpillar 3516B diesel generator set (60 Hz). A 2 MW set delivers 2,000 kW, or 2,500 kVA at 0.8 power factor, and is widely used for data centre standby, hospital campuses and mine prime power.
2 megawatt generator options
| Unit | Condition / year | Hz |
|---|---|---|
| Cummins QSK60 | New, 2024 | 50 Hz |
| MTU 16V4000 | New, 2025 | 60 Hz |
| Cummins QSK60-G4 | New, 2023 | 50 Hz |
| Caterpillar 3516C | Used, 2015, 165 h | 60 Hz |
| Caterpillar 3516B | Used, 2005 | 60 Hz |
| Cummins QSK60-G8 (2.1 MW) | Used, 2021 | 50 Hz |
| Siemens G-86EM gas (containerised) | New, 2021 | 50 Hz |
| MTU 20V4000L32F gas | Used | 50 Hz |
| Caterpillar 3516B-HD (2.2 MW) | New | — |
| MTU 20V4000G63L (2.5 MW) | New | — |
3 MW Generators
A 3 MW generator is rated at 3,000 kW, which is 3,750 kVA at 0.8 power factor. At this size most units in USP&E stock are gas-fired engines built for medium voltage, typically 3.3 kV to 11 kV, and they are often used for continuous prime power, cogeneration and gas-to-power projects. Diesel and gas turbine options sit alongside them.
- 3 MW refurbished Jenbacher JGS 620 GS
- 3 MW used 2011 Jenbacher JGS 620
- 2.9 MW Niigata 18V22AG (60 Hz)
- 2.8 MW new Bergen B32:40L6 diesel
- 3.2 MW Kawasaki M1T-23 gas turbine generator
- 3.4 MW used Jenbacher J620
- 3.5 MW Solar Centaur 40
See all natural gas generators.
4 MW Generators
A 4 MW generator delivers 4,000 kW, or 5,000 kVA at 0.8 power factor. Units at this size are usually medium-speed engines running on diesel, gas or HFO, built for medium voltage and continuous duty at power stations, smelters and large industrial sites. Browse 4 MW diesel generators or the wider range of megawatt diesel generators.
How to choose the right generator size
- Load: size for your peak load and your continuous load, not just the average.
- Rating: check whether the listing quotes standby or prime output, and match it to how many hours the set will run.
- Redundancy: several smaller units in N+1 parallel give resilience and better part-load efficiency than one large unit.
- Frequency and voltage: match 50 or 60 Hz and low or medium voltage to your grid and switchgear.
- Fuel and emissions: diesel, natural gas, biogas or HFO, depending on fuel supply and local emissions limits.
- Site conditions: high altitude and high ambient temperature reduce available output, so confirm derating with the engine data for your site.
EPC, balance of plant and O&M
USP&E can take a generator from selection through installation and operation, with in-house EPC, balance of plant, commissioning and O&M. Explore rental and bridge power, IPP partnerships and rentals, power for data centres and the mining sector, or read our articles.
USP&E has delivered 150+ power projects in 45+ countries, with 25,000 MW contracted since 2002.
FAQ
What size generator is 1 MW in kVA?
A 1 MW generator is rated at 1,000 kW, which is 1,250 kVA at the standard 0.8 power factor. The same rule scales up: 1.5 MW is about 1,875 kVA, 2 MW is 2,500 kVA, 3 MW is 3,750 kVA and 4 MW is 5,000 kVA. Always check whether a listing quotes standby or prime output.
How do I choose between a 1 MW, 2 MW and 4 MW generator?
Start from your peak load, your continuous load and your redundancy target. One large unit costs less per kW, but several smaller units in parallel give N+1 redundancy and better part-load efficiency. Then match frequency, voltage, fuel and emissions limits to the site. USP&E engineers can size the plant with you.
Are 3 MW and 4 MW generators diesel or gas?
Both, but the mix changes with size. In USP&E’s current stock, most 3 MW units are natural gas engines such as the Jenbacher J620. At 4 MW and above you find medium-speed diesel, gas and HFO engines from Bergen, MWM, Niigata, Wärtsilä, MAN and Caterpillar, usually at medium voltage.
What voltage do 1 to 4 MW generators use?
Generators up to about 2.5 MW are usually low voltage, typically 380 to 480 V at 50 or 60 Hz. Larger medium-speed units at 3 to 4 MW and above are often built for medium voltage, such as 4,160 V, 6,600 V, 10,500 V or 11,000 V. Check each listing’s voltage against your switchgear.
Can I buy a new 2 MW generator from stock?
Yes. USP&E lists new 2 MW diesel generator sets, including a new Caterpillar 3516B at 60 Hz and new Cummins QSK60 and MTU 16V4000 units, alongside used and gas-fired 2 MW sets. Stock changes quickly, so check the live listing and ask for the inspection data before you commit.
Does USP&E install the generators it sells?
Yes. USP&E supplies new and used generators and can deliver the full power plant through in-house EPC, balance of plant, commissioning and O&M. USP&E has delivered 150+ power projects in 45+ countries and has 25,000 MW contracted since 2002. As an independent reseller, USP&E is not affiliated with the engine OEMs.
USP&E is an independent reseller and is not affiliated with Caterpillar, Cummins, MTU, Jenbacher, Mitsubishi, Wärtsilä, MWM, Bergen, Niigata or Kohler.