2 MW generators, 2000 kW diesel sets

2 MW, 2000 kW and 2500 kVA are the same set

Generator sets are sold in kW at a power factor of 0.8, so a 2,000 kW set is a 2,500 kVA set. A listing for a 2,000 kVA generator is a smaller unit, 1,600 kW. Check whether a price is for the standby or the prime rating, because the same engine carries a lower kW figure for prime power.

The current below is computed from 2,500 kVA. Use it for the main breaker, the transfer switch and the cable. At 480 V the current is more than most single switchboards carry, so 2 MW sets at low voltage usually feed paralleled cable runs or busway.

Computed. Amps equal kVA times 1,000 divided by the square root of 3 times the voltage. Many 2 MW sets are built for 4,160 V and above, which cuts the current to a few hundred amps.

2 MW models from the main makers

These are the published ratings for the 60 Hz sets we found at or near 2,000 kW. Ratings change with voltage, emissions package and duty, so confirm on the spec sheet for the exact model you are quoted.

From maker, dealer and spec sheet pages read November 2026, listed under sources. Some dealer pages quote kVA and some quote ekW, so compare kW with kW.

Fuel burn of a 2 MW diesel set

A 2 MW diesel set burns roughly 130 to 160 gallons an hour at full load, depending on the model and rating. A sub base tank that runs a set for 24 hours at full load has to hold more than 3,000 gallons.

From the spec sheets listed under sources. Hours of runtime equal usable tank gallons divided by the burn rate at your load.

Standby or prime, and emissions tier

Under ISO 8528, standby is for backup during an outage with a variable load and limited hours, prime is for running as the main source with no yearly hour limit, and continuous is for a constant load around the clock. The Cat 3516C sheet shows the spread, 2,000 ekW standby against 1,650 ekW continuous on the same engine.

In the US, a diesel set used only for emergency backup can be Tier 2 certified. A set used for prime power, peak shaving or rental has to meet Tier 4. Tell us the duty and we only quote sets that meet it.

New and used 2 MW generator prices

These are public listing figures, not our prices. Enclosure, controls, the emissions package, voltage and whether switchgear comes with the set move the price as much as the brand.

Asking prices are not sold prices. Freight, the transfer switch, the pad, fuel and installation are extra. Low hour used sets can price close to new.

Lead times

Terrapin Construction Group lists diesel sets of 1,500 to 2,000 kW at 50 to 66 weeks in 2026, and 2,500 to 3,500 kW at 62 to 82 weeks, from manufacturer slot reservations and its own project procurement data. Other sources run from about 30 weeks for a new Generac high capacity line to 72 to 104 weeks in a market analysis from Enkiai, so the spread is wide and depends on maker and configuration.

A surplus or used set that already exists can ship once it is tested and paid for, so the wait is the load bank test, any repairs and the freight. That is why many buyers price a used unit next to a new one.

The gear that goes with a 2 MW set

A 2 MW set at 480 V puts out 3,007 A, so the transfer switch, the main breaker and the cable all have to be rated above that. If the set feeds a medium voltage system, it needs a step up transformer of at least 2,500 kVA, which is a standard pad mounted size, wound 480 V on one side and 4,160 V, 12,470 V or 13,800 V on the other. Two or more sets can be paralleled on switchgear for redundancy or to grow later.

We quote the set, the transformer and the transfer or paralleling gear on one delivered quote, so the ratings line up before anything ships.

How much does a 2 MW generator cost

Listings read in November 2026 asked $666,765 for a new MTU 16V4000 set and $899,500 for a new 2025 Cummins. Used 2000 kW sets were listed from $374,325 to $598,000. Installation, the transfer switch, fuel and freight are extra.

How many amps is a 2 MW generator

At 0.8 power factor a 2,000 kW set is 2,500 kVA, which is 3,007 A at 480 V, 6,939 A at 208 V and 347 A at 4,160 V.

Is a 2000 kVA generator the same as 2 MW

No. At 0.8 power factor a 2,000 kVA set is 1,600 kW. A 2 MW set is 2,500 kVA.

How much fuel does a 2 MW generator use

About 130 to 160 gallons of diesel an hour at full load. The Kohler 2000 kW sheet gives 139.6 gal/hr at full standby load and 82.3 gal/hr at half load.

How long is the lead time for a 2 MW generator

Terrapin Construction Group lists 50 to 66 weeks for 1,500 to 2,000 kW diesel sets in 2026. A used or surplus set in stock can ship once it has passed a load bank test.

What size transformer goes with a 2 MW generator

A step up transformer of at least 2,500 kVA, which is a standard size, wound for the generator voltage on one side and the site medium voltage on the other.