Wärtsilä, a Finnish distributed power source manufacturer headquartered in Helsinki, has been in the news recently for a big contract announcement. They are supplying digital engineering and equipment for a new 217 megawatt (MW) generating station located in Liberty, Kentucky. This contract further strengthens Wärtsilä’s commitment to the energy revolution taking place in the United States.
The procurement includes the supply of 12 of the 50DF dual-fuel engines, which will operate mostly on natural gas. Delivery of the equipment is slated for delivery in mid-2027, with the commissioning of the power plant expected by early 2028. The facility is intended to run around 5,000 hours per year, providing key grid-balancing power to the area.
Project Timeline and Impact
Wärtsilä’s equipment delivery and commissioning timeline aligns seamlessly with the project’s schedule, ensuring that all milestones are met efficiently. This quick implementation will be key as the new power plant is intended to help improve overall energy reliability across the region.
The company had booked the order on the books in its Q2 of 2025. This represented a major tactical win for Wärtsilä, as well as EKPC, the energy cooperative that was the primary architect of the power-to-X endeavor. Through this project, EKPC aims to strengthen its energy assets and advance its mission of reliable customer service to its members.
Wärtsilä’s Presence in the U.S.
Wärtsilä has operated in the United States since 1979 with their subsidiary, Wärtsilä North America based in Houston, Texas. The company’s team of industry experts work from eight regional hubs around the country, a testament to Land O’Lakes’ dedication to local service and support. This local expertise will be key to ensuring appropriate safeguards are taken in overseeing the successful implementation of the $100 million power plant project.
“When EKPC called our name, we jumped like a kid in a candy store,” said Risto Paldanius, Wärtsilä’s energy vice-president of the Americas.
“We are delighted to support EKPC’s energy initiative.” – Risto Paldanius, Wärtsilä energy vice-president of the Americas
This new partnership is a strong signal that renewable and efficient energy solutions can play a central role in meeting increasing demand. By making use of state-of-the-art dual-fuel technology, the new power plant seeks to deliver safe, dependable energy with less harm to the environment.
Future Prospects
So Wärtsilä is very much on the move extending its reach into the U.S. marketplace. This contract represents a big business opportunity and is a big step forward for sustainable energy solutions. The integration of dual-fuel engines positions the upcoming Liberty power plant as a modern facility capable of adapting to evolving energy needs.