Finland-headed technology major Wärtsilä Oyj has announced that it has been selected to supply its flexible, highly efficient Wärtsilä 46TS engines for Australia’s largest-ever reciprocating engine power plant. The 300 MW plant will provide critical grid balancing and system security in Australia.
Australia is accelerating its energy transition, increasing the need for flexible capacity that can support renewable energy integration.
Wärtsilä’s gas engine generating sets are designed with future readiness in mind, including the ability to support grid stability as renewable energy capacity grows.
By helping to maintain a stable and reliable power system, they can facilitate the integration of increasing shares of wind and solar power while supporting secure electricity supply.
The fast-starting flexible capacity provided by the Wärtsilä 46TS engines will enable greater integration of renewable energy into the power system.
When commissioned, the power plant will operate with 13 Wärtsilä 46TS-SG gas engines. This next-generation large-bore engine supports security of supply and is designed to meet the evolving needs of the energy industry.
It maintains strong performance in extreme ambient temperatures and high-altitude locations, and can currently operate with up to a 25 volume percent hydrogen fuel blend.
Our engine technology combines the efficiency, flexibility and reliability needed to support Australia’s evolving energy system. The Wärtsilä 46TS engine will help strengthen power system resilience, while its innovative modular design allows the plant to be easily expanded as the share of renewable energy increases, said Frederic Carron, VP Middle East and Asia at Wärtsilä Energy.
The Wärtsilä equipment, the value of which has not been disclosed, is scheduled for delivery in early 2029, and the plant is expected to become fully operational the following year.
