Wartsila to build dual-fuel power plant for electric utility GPL

Finnish technology group Wärtsilä has signed an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract with electric utility Guyana Power and Light (GPL).

Under the contract, Wärtsilä will build a dual-fuel power plant with 46.5MW capacity. The power plant will be constructed at the Garden of Eden generating complex in the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

Wärtsilä Americas North energy business director Mikael Backman said: “Wärtsilä is pleased to support GPL in strengthening its grid reliability with this new and very efficient plant.

“We also share GPL’s vision in taking advantage of the benefits offered through the use of renewable energy, and this plant makes the addition of PV solar capacity to the GPL generation mix both possible and viable.

“We will bring our project management capabilities and technical expertise to complete this project on time, and we look forward to a successful completion.”

Additionally, Wärtsilä will integrate a 69kV sub-station within the existing Garden of Eden sub-station. The power plant will be equipped with five Wärtsilä 34DF dual-fuel engines, which will operate on liquid fuel and natural gas. The Finnish company intends to deliver the power plant later this year.

Once completed, the power plant is expected to enhance Guyana’s electricity system and support future renewables integration into the grid.

Guyana Power & Light CEO Albert Gordon said: “Our electricity demand is expected to grow at a significant rate during the next two years, and this new power plant will be the first step in addressing this growth. It will also allow us to retire older and less efficient generating units, including several that now use expensive LFO.

“When this plant is completed, the additional generating capacity will result in improved system reliability and reduced fuel costs, which will translate into reduced tariff requirements and will support our plans for adding PV solar and wind-based power generation to our system.”