Wärtsilä will supply engines, control systems and auxiliary equipment for a new 120 MW power plant in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia.
Australian independent power producer Zenith Energy Operations placed the order in the fourth quarter of 2024. The plant will support operations at Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines (KCGM), one of Australia’s largest gold mines, owned by Northern Star Resources. The facility is expected to begin producing electricity in mid-2027, subject to regulatory approval.
The new plant will use fast-starting Wärtsilä engines to support the growing energy needs of the mine. The engines can balance the grid and integrate renewable energy from wind and solar sources. The site also has the potential to connect to the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) grid in the future.
Zenith Energy said the project builds on its long-standing partnership with Wärtsilä. The company said the engines provide high reliability, strong performance, and the flexibility needed to increase renewable energy use while maintaining stable supply.
Wärtsilä will deliver ten Wärtsilä 31DF dual-fuel engines with synchronous condenser capability. The contract also includes engineering services, auxiliary systems, control technology and operator interfaces.
The synchronous condenser feature allows the generators to operate without the engines when power is not required. This enables the plant to provide reactive power and grid inertia, even during periods of high renewable output. The technology improves voltage control, frequency stability and short-circuit strength.
Wärtsilä said the project supports its strategy to help customers reduce emissions while maintaining reliable power generation.
Zenith Energy is an existing Wärtsilä customer. The company already operates Wärtsilä 34DF and 34SG engines and has installed an energy storage system with Wärtsilä’s Quantum technology and the GEMS Digital Energy Platform.
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