Finnish power source manufacturer Wärtsilä has secured a contract to provide engineering and equipment for a 217MW power plant in Liberty, in the US state of Kentucky.

The power plant, commissioned by East Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC), aims to enhance grid capacity to meet rising demand.  

The contract, awarded by EKPC, was recorded in the Finnish tech company’s books in the third quarter of 2025.  

Wärtsilä will deliver 12 50DF dual-fuel engines, primarily operating on natural gas but capable of switching to alternative fuels if necessary.  

The equipment delivery is planned for mid-2027, with commissioning expected in early 2028. 

The power plant will operate for 5,000 hours annually, providing grid-balancing power.  

Wärtsilä energy vice-president of the Americas Risto Paldanius stated: “We are delighted to support EKPC’s energy initiative.  

“Our experience and broad scope of capabilities have formed the basis of this project, which will be one of the largest Wärtsilä dual-fuel plants installed in the United States.”  

The Helsinki-headquartered company has been operational in the US since 1979 via its subsidiary Wärtsilä North America.  

The group has professionals in eight regional locations across the country.  

In other geographies, Wärtsilä's recent projects include a 204MW power plant for the Reko Diq mining project in Pakistan, featuring 12 Wärtsilä 50 engines.  

The order was recorded in the second quarter of 2025. 

The Reko Diq project, located in the remote region of Balochistan, is one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper-gold sites. 

Wärtsilä was selected for a 30MW power plant project on Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria, in May 2025.  

The project, a collaboration with Elektron Energy, is the first of its kind in Nigeria. Wärtsilä will manage and maintain the plant for five years.