Wärtsilä is supplying a 22.7MW smart power generation plant to Cooperative Energy, which is an electric company based in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, US. The installation will be done under a full Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract.
The project will consist of two gas-fired Wärtsilä 31SG engines, the first order for the world’s most efficient gas engine. The plant located in Benndale, Mississippi, will provide valuable grid support for renewable integration for the Cooperative Energy system as well as reliability during potential transmission outages caused by hurricanes or other severe weather conditions. The order with Wärtsilä was booked in December 2017.
The selection of the smart power generation solution is advantageous as Cooperative Energy is in the process of installing increasing levels of renewable generation, notably new solar generation into their network. The new Wärtsilä 31SG engine solution will provide the required flexibility for renewable integration and will replace an existing gas turbine power plant.
Cooperative Energy president/CEO Jim Compton said: “As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, our mission is to provide our members with electricity that is both reliable and economical.
“Wärtsilä’s smart power generation plant, which is a great complement to our current generation sources, enables us to achieve this mission and, as a result, we are proud to partner with Wärtsilä on this project.”
“Our track record in being a technology leader in power generation in 177 countries around the world, and in all types of climates and operating conditions, represents a clear indication of the value proposition Wärtsilä can deliver to the market.
Wärtsilä Energy Solutions US and Canada regional director Mikael Backman stated: “Cooperative Energy is a forerunner in delivering a modern and flexible electricity supply to its members. Wärtsilä is proud to be a partner in this.”
The equipment will be delivered to the site this year and commercial operations are expected to commence in 2019.
Wärtsilä currently has an installed base of more than 3,400MW in the US, while its global installed base exceeds 65GW in 177 countries.