Posted on February 26, 2024
Technology group Wärtsilä will supply the generating equipment for an 18 MW expansion to an existing power plant in New Mexico, USA, utilizing reciprocating internal combustion engine (RICE) technology. The plant will operate on natural gas fuel, and will replace lost generating capacity following the closure of a coal-fired power plant and also provide flexible dispatchable power for the utility and their power needs. The contract is with the City of Farmington and was booked as order intake by Wärtsilä in November 2023.
By switching from coal to natural gas, the project aligns with the global trend towards cleaner, lower-carbon fuels. The two Wärtsilä 34SG gas-fuelled engines selected for this project are also capable of operating on biogas, synthetic methane and hydrogen blend. They require minimal water consumption, which is an important consideration in areas such as New Mexico where high ambient temperatures can be expected and water is scarce.
“We are excited to partner with Wärtsilä on this important project,” said Hank Adair, Electric Utility Director for the City of Farmington. “The Farmington Electric Utility System is responsible for ensuring safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to its ratepayers, and this new power plant will help us ensure that we meet these responsibilities. Furthermore, the efficiency and reliability of the Wärtsilä engine technology will considerably reduce the harmful emissions. This project meets and exceeds all the objectives of our Integrated Resource Plan.”
Wärtsilä 34SG engines inside a power plant. © Wärtsilä
“This project is another great example of RICE technology fulfilling important needs of U.S. utility customers such as firm dispatchable capacity with superior flexibility,” said Jon Rodriguez, Director, Engine Power Plants, North America at Wärtsilä Energy. “Our involvement in projects such as this highlights our dedication to supporting our customers as they transition to cleaner, more reliable energy.”
The Wärtsilä equipment for the project is expected to be delivered by January 2025. When operational, the plant will provide sufficient power to deliver electricity to approximately 14,000 homes. It will also boost local employment.
Wärtsilä has installed over 70 engine power plants, as well as 29 energy storage facilities in the U.S. since 1981. These installations have a total combined capacity of more than 6.9 GW.
Wärtsilä Energy in brief
Wärtsilä Energy leads the transition towards a 100% renewable energy future. We help our partners to accelerate their decarbonisation journeys through our market-leading technologies and power system modelling expertise. These cover decarbonisation services, future-fuel enabled balancing power plants, hybrid solutions, energy storage and optimisation technology, including the GEMS Digital Energy Platform. Wärtsilä Energy’s lifecycle services are designed to increase efficiency, promote reliability and guarantee operational performance. Our track record comprises 79 GW of power plant capacity and 115 energy storage systems delivered to 180 countries around the world.
www.wartsila.com/energy
Wärtsilä in brief
Wärtsilä is a global leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. We emphasise innovation in sustainable technology and services to help our customers continuously improve environmental and economic performance. Our dedicated and passionate team of 17,800 professionals in more than 280 locations in 79 countries shape the decarbonisation transformation of our industries across the globe. In 2023, Wärtsilä’s net sales totalled EUR 6.0 billion. Wärtsilä is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki. www.wartsila.com
