Technology group Wärtsilä has been selected to supply its flexible and 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. The fast-starting flexible capacity provided by the Wärtsilä 46TS engines will enable greater integration of renewable energy into the power system. The order was booked by Wärtsilä in Q3 2026.

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.

When commissioned, the power plant will operate with 13 Wärtsilä 46TS-SG gas engines. This next-generation large-bore engine supports the security of supply and is designed to meet the evolving needs of the energy industry. It maintains strong performance in extreme ambient temperatures and at high-altitude locations and can currently operate with up to a 25 vol-% hydrogen fuel blend.

“Our engine technology combines the efficiency, flexibility and reliability needed to support Australia’s evolving energy system,” says Frederic Carron, Vice President, Middle East and Asia at Wärtsilä Energy. “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.”

The Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled for delivery in early 2029, and the plant is expected to become fully operational the following year.