The technology group Wärtsilä will supply Mexico’s state-owned electricity utility, Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE), with two large multi-fuel power plants having a combined output of 600 MW. The order was earlier announced in Wärtsilä’s stock exchange release on 10 November 2021. The projects will be delivered by Wärtsilä on a full engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) basis. Jointly these projects represent the largest generating capacity EPC contract ever awarded to Wärtsilä. The order is included in the company’s Q4 order intake.

The projects comprise a 400 MW facility, the Mexicali Oriente power plant located in Mexico’s Baja California state, and the Parque Industrial plant, a 200 MW generating unit located in Sonora, Mexico. The Mexicali Oriente plant will operate with 24 Wärtsilä 50DF dual-fuel engines, while the Parque Industrial plant will feature 22 Wärtsilä 34DF dual-fuel engines. The engines will operate primarily on gas with the capability to use liquid fuel as a back-up if required.

The awarded projects provide a clear indication of the demand that exists for power plants of this size operating with flexible internal combustion engines. During the summer months the plants will operate continuously, meeting the high electricity demand in the region, when temperatures can reach +50 °C. For the remainder of the year they will be used to provide grid balancing service.

“We are honoured to have been awarded these valuable contracts, jointly biggest ever for Wärtsilä Energy. It speaks of the value created by our state-of-the-art flexible power generation solutions, which provide a unique combination of energy efficiency, and fuel and operational flexibility, supported by high reliability,” said Sushil Purohit, President, Wärtsilä Energy and Executive Vice President.

“Wärtsilä’s experience with EPC deliveries, its ability to deliver on a fast-track basis, and the efficiency of the company’s engine technology were key considerations in the contract award,” commented Risto Paldanius, Vice President, Americas, Wärtsilä Energy. “The power plants will serve the local needs today, and they will adapt to future needs.”

The power plants are to be completed in phases during 2022 and 2023.

To date, Wärtsilä has delivered over 500 MW of power plant capacity in Mexico, of which 380 MW are currently covered by Wärtsilä long-term service agreements.