Smart Power For New Orleans

Wärtsilä’s Smart Power Generation solution has been selected to power the New Orleans Power Station, a 128 MW plant to be constructed at the retired Michoud power plant site in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. The retired plant, which was the only power generating facility within the city’s borders, was shut down due to economic and operational considerations. The New Orleans City Council recently approved the new 128 MW plant, which will be powered by seven Wärtsilä 50SG reciprocating gas engines.

The order with Wärtsilä was placed by EPC project contractor, Burns & McDonnell Engineering Co. Inc. on behalf of the local utility Entergy New Orleans. Wärtsilä has booked the order and has received full notice to proceed. The plant is expected to be fully operational in January 2020. 

The Wärtsilä Smart Power Generation plant was deemed to be the most appropriate solution for providing the efficiency, flexibility and reliable operation needed. It will enable Entergy New Orleans to utilize increasing levels of renewables within its system, the company said.

“Our technology represents the best fit and most competitively priced option for the long-term utilization of this facility. Wärtsilä’s Smart Power Generation solution offers the flexibility needed to go offline and restart quickly multiple times per day and has achieved a remarkable track record since its introduction, as it is a key enabler for integrating renewables into power systems,” said Javier Cavada, president, Wärtsilä Energy Solutions.

The flexibility offered by Wärtsilä’s Smart Power Generation solution enables utilities to be better equipped to model the future and utilize increasing levels of solar and wind power, Wärtsilä said.