Wärtsilä, a leading global supplier of decentralised power plant solutions, has signed an agreement with KVK Energy Group to supply power generating equipment and engineering for a gas power plant to be built in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, India.

The scope of supply includes eight Wärtsilä W20V34SG gas engine generators and auxiliaries, as well as the engineering, erection and commissioning of the power plant. Construction has already begun as part of a previous order in March 2010 when three engines were contracted. With the extension of this new contract for a further eight engines, the power plant will produce a combined output of over 100MW. These eight engine generator sets and related equipment will be delivered in the second half of 2011, and the entire plant will be fully operational by the end of the year. However, two of the previously ordered sets will start producing electricity at the end of October 2010.

The Rajahmundry power plant will initially provide baseload power to the national grid, but in the mid to long term it will be used for meeting the grid’s peak load requirements.

Mr Ole Johansson, president and CEO, Wärtsilä Corporation, said: “This order is an exciting opportunity for Wärtsilä in terms of gas-based power generation in India. The power plant is a perfect example of the operational flexibility that is characteristic of our power generating technology. Wärtsilä gas power plants can be used for both baseload operation and grid stability or peaking applications, and as the customer’s need changes, so can the operational profile of our plants.”

Wärtsilä’s flexible gas power plants combine high power density with quick starts, durability, excellent load pickup performance and easy maintenance. They have the highest simple cycle efficiency available in the industry. They offer constant performance over varying ambient conditions, low lifecycle costs and rapid response to varying grid conditions. They also comply to even the strictest local emissions legislation.

Mr K. Vijay Kumar, chairman and managing director of KVK Energy Group, added: “We are happy to partner with Wärtsilä, a global leader in decentralised power plant solutions. Our requirements are for a scalable power plant, outstanding project management, and overall operating economics, and Wärtsilä meets all these needs.”

The KVK Energy Group is a holding company that has developed a portfolio of power plant projects of various sizes, using a variety of fuels and technologies, across the country.

Wärtsilä in India – a preferred partner

In total, Wärtsilä has delivered over 250 power plants to India with a total output of around 3,500MW. At more than 60 plants in India (including steam and wind turbine plants), representing a total output of over 1,000MW, Wärtsilä takes care of the operation and maintenance on behalf of its customers.

Wärtsilä has delivered engines to vessels belonging to the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Port Trusts, merchant shipping, floating cranes and offshore rigs. In Khopoli, Wärtsilä manufactures gear boxes and auxiliaries/pipe modules, and reconditions and upgrades engines, ship propellers and components. The Wärtsilä Land and Sea Academy located in the same facility provides training and competence management services to power plant owners and ship owners.

For further information, please contact Wärtsilä.