Finnish technology group Wärtsilä has entered into two equipment supply agreements with Origem Energia to support 371MW of new balancing power projects in Brazil.
Among the projects are the Pilar and Pilar Nova power plants, due to start operations in October 2028, and the Manguaba I–V projects, set for August 2029.
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Under the agreement, Wärtsilä has agreed to supply Origem Energia with two sets of 18 Wärtsilä 34SG balancing engines, totalling 36 engines.
The first set was ordered in the first quarter of 2026, followed by the second in the subsequent quarter.
Equipment will be delivered in line with the commissioning schedules, contributing reliable and flexible capacity to Brazil’s power grid.
Wärtsilä Energy region south energy business director Gaston Giani said: “Projects like these demonstrate the importance of solutions that combine flexibility, reliability and efficiency to ensure the security of the power system, especially in a scenario of growing renewable energy integration.”
The collaboration comes after Origem Energia’s success in the 2026 Reserve Capacity Auction, Brazil’s largest capacity auction to date.
Origem secured projects that are expected to commence operations between 2028 and 2029.
The initiative showcases Origem Energia’s integrated approach, using its onshore natural gas resources in Alagoas to facilitate gas-to-wire projects.
The company also utilises underground gas storage to improve operational flexibility and competitiveness.
Additionally, these projects mark Origem’s entry into the balancing power sector, opening avenues for future expansion and long-term services, and strengthening the potential for future collaborations.
Origem Energia CEO Luiz Felipe Coutinho said: “The projects awarded in LRCAP 2026 are intended to provide balancing capacity that supports the reliability of the Brazilian power system as generation of renewable energy increases.
“As these plants enter commercial operation, they are expected to play a key role in meeting system needs for flexible capacity.”
Last month, Wärtsilä secured a contract to deliver 412MW of engine power for a new hyperscale data centre project in Ohio, US. The project involves the deployment of 40 Wärtsilä 34SG spark gas engines.
