Cooperative Energy selects new Wärtsilä 31SG engine technology for power generation in the USA

Wärtsilä Corporation, Press release, 8 January 2018 at 3 p.m. EET

The technology group Wärtsilä will deliver a 22.7 MW Smart Power Generation plant under a full Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC) contract to Cooperative Energy, a member-owned electric cooperative based in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. 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, Miss., 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. The plant will replace an existing gas turbine power plant.

“As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, our mission is to provide our members with electricity that is both reliable and economical,” said Jim Compton, Cooperative Energy president/CEO. “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. 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,” said Mikael Backman, Regional Director, US & Canada, Wärtsilä Energy Solutions.

The equipment will be delivered to the site in 2018, and commercial operations are expected to commence in 2019.  

Wärtsilä currently has an installed base of more than 3,400 MW in the USA, while its global installed base exceeds 65 GW in 177 countries.

Captions:
The 11,400 kW (@60Hz) 20-cylinder Wärtsilä 31SG is the world’s most efficient 4-stroke gas engine.
Cooperative Energy’s Jim Compton, Nathan Brown, Trey Cannon and Dan Shelledy from Wärtsilä North America visit the new 20-cylinder Wärtsilä 31SG engine production line in Vaasa, Finland with Niklas Wägar and Juha Päivike from Wärtsilä.

For more information, please contact:

Mikael Backman
Regional Director, US & Canada
Wärtsilä Energy Solutions
Tel: +1 281-224-2920
mikael.backman@wartsila.com 

Dan Shelledy
Business Development Manager
Wärtsilä Energy Solutions
Tel: +1 281 -536-1444
dan.shelledy@wartsila.com 

Christa Bishop
Senior Vice President Communications
Cooperative Energy
+1 601-705-6612
cbishop@cooperativeenergy.com

Wärtsilä Energy Solutions in brief
Wärtsilä Energy Solutions is a leading global energy system integrator offering a broad range of environmentally sound solutions. Our offering includes ultra-flexible internal combustion engine based power plants, utility-scale solar PV power plants, energy storage & integration solutions, as well as LNG terminals and distribution systems. The flexible and efficient Wärtsilä solutions provide customers with superior value and enable a transition to a more sustainable and modern energy system. As of 2017, Wärtsilä has 65 GW of installed power plant capacity in 177 countries around the world.
www.smartpowergeneration.com

Wärtsilä in brief
Wärtsilä is a global leader in advanced technologies and complete lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. By emphasizing sustainable innovation and total efficiency, Wärtsilä maximizes the environmental and economic performance of the vessels and power plants of its customers. In 2016, Wärtsilä's net sales totaled EUR 4.8 billion with approximately 18,000 employees. The company has operations in over 200 locations in more than 70 countries around the world. Wärtsilä is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.
www.wartsila.com 

About Cooperative Energy
Cooperative Energy generates and transmits electricity to 11 Member-owned electric distribution cooperatives. Known as the Power of 12, Cooperative Energy and its Member cooperatives work together to provide safe, reliable and affordable power from the Mississippi Delta to the Coast. The 11 electric cooperatives own and maintain approximately 56,900 miles of distribution lines and provide service to approximately 423,000 homes and businesses throughout 55 counties.
www.cooperativeenergy.com