Wartsila to supply engines to Timmerman gas power plant in Texas

Finnish technology group Wartsila has secured a contract from the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) to supply ten engines for its Timmerman gas-based power plant near Maxwell, Texas, it said on April 17.

This development follows a previous order by LCRA for ten engines generating approximately 190 MW in 2022. The recent order for an additional 10 50SG engines will effectively double the earlier output.

The Timmerman power plant is slated to provide supplementary capacity necessary to bolster LCRA's clientele and fortify the Texas power grid, including ERCOT, the state's electrical grid operator. According to Wartsila, ERCOT caters to over 26mn customers, which amounts to roughly 90% of the state's electric load.

LCRA's new facility will operate on natural gas and will be comprised of two units, each powered by 10 engines. The first unit is projected to commence operations in 2025, with the second unit set to be finalised in 2026. Together, these units will have the capability to supply power to around 100,000 households during peak demand periods.