Wärtsilä is supplying reciprocating engine power plants with synchronous condenser capabilities, plus control systems and auxiliary equipment, for a new 120 MW power plant in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. The synchronous condenser feature enables the generators to operate independently from the engines and provide reactive power support and inertia when engine operation is not needed. This, together with the balancing capabilities of the fast starting engines, will strengthen the grid during times with high renewables input, improve the grid’s voltage and frequency stability, and improve short-circuit capacity, says Wärtsilä.
The contract has been placed by Australian independent power producer Zenith Energy Operations. The new power plant will expand the power supply to one of Australia’s largest gold mines, Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines (KCGM), owned by Northern Star Resources Ltd. Power production is anticipated to begin in mid-2027 subject to environmental and regulatory approvals.
The power plant will support expansion of Northern Star’s KCGM operations, currently underway, and in addition has the future potential to be connected to the SWIS (South West Interconnected System) grid at Kalgoorlie.
Wärtsilä’s full scope of supply includes ten Wärtsilä 31DF dual-fuel engines with the synchronous condenser capability, engineering, auxiliary modules, control system, operator interface system, and other performance critical auxiliaries.
“We have built a strong relationship with Zenith and are excited to support them as they strive to increase the utilisation of renewable energy in their operations. Our 31DF engine is highly efficient and reliable, and therefore ideally suited to this application, delivering the flexibility demanded with minimised emissions,” comments Kari Punnonen, Energy Business Director, Australasia, at Wärtsilä Energy.
Zenith Energy is a repeat customer for Wärtsilä, having previously procured three Wärtsilä 34DF dual-fuel engines and two Wärtsilä 34SG pure gas engines. They have also installed an energy storage system employing Wärtsilä’s Quantum modules and its GEMS digital energy platform.
