Technology group Wärtsilä will supply its flexible engine technology for a new 217 MW power plant to be installed in Nebraska, USA. The contract has been awarded by Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD), a public corporation and political subdivision of the State of Nebraska. The order was booked by Wärtsilä in Q1 2025.
The plant will be located near Hallam, Nebraska, and will operate 12 Wärtsilä 50DF dual-fuel engines running primarily on natural gas fuel. However, the engines can flexibly switch to diesel fuel if there are interruptions in natural gas supply, such as during challenging weather conditions.
The Wärtsilä engines are scheduled to be delivered to the site in August 2027, and the plant is expected to commence commercial operations in 2028. Wärtsilä’s flexible engine technology facilitates the possible integration of renewable energy into the system.
“This project emphasizes the importance of flexible engine power plant solutions in the energy system, providing reliable power supply and operations when needed. By meeting fuel-resilient asset needs and by enabling flexible generation, we are serving the local communities,” comments Jon Rodriguez, Energy Business Director, Engine Power Plants, North America at Wärtsilä Energy.
