APC and Wartsila to install 46 megawatt dual-power plant here by late 2023, in line with APUA’s future energy plans

Wärtsilä, a technology group, has reportedly been awarded the contract to supply and install a 46 megawatt dual-fuel power plant here.

The plant is expected to operate primarily on re-gasified, liquefied natural gas (LNG), which is considered the cleanest of all fossil fuels, and will result in about 40% less carbon production.

Reportedly, this falls in line with the Antigua Public Utilities Authority’s plan to reduce its environmental footprint.

The engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) order was placed by Antigua Power Company (APC) Ltd., an independent power producer, and was entered into Wärtsilä’s order book in January this year.

According to information, the project will combine a power plant and an LNG gas terminal, storage, and re-gasification facility.

Further reports are that APC won the bid for this project on an international tender held by the Antigua and Barbuda Tenders Board on behalf of APUA.

The project is being developed by US-based Eagle LNG, in equal partnership with APC, with APUA as the gas purchaser.

This project will reportedly involve the installation of a small-scale LNG storage and regasification terminal which will supply the fuel for the new power plant.

Aziz Hadeed, head of the Hadeed Group of Companies, the parent company of APC, says, “There is a need to provide additional generating capacity along with the island’s growth in demand for electricity.”

He says that some of the existing power-production facilities will soon need to be replaced, due to age and the increased focus on more environmentally sustainable systems.

APC and Wärtsilä reportedly have a relationship and Hadeed sees their dual-fuel power plant solution as the best answer to the island’s green energy plan and its current and future energy requirements.

Reportedly, the plant will operate with five Wärtsilä 34 dual-fuel engines, capable of operating with both gas and light fuel oil.

“The fast-starting capability means that the engines can reach full power within five minutes…,” according to Wärtsilä officials.

The plant is expected to become operational during the third quarter of 2023 and will supply electricity to APUA for distribution to the national grid.