Wärtsilä to supply its first power plant with synchronous condenser feature
- December 9, 2025
Technology group Wärtsilä will supply the engines, controls, and auxiliary equipment for a new 120-MW power plant in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia.
The contract has been placed by Australian Independent Power Producer (IPP) Zenith Energy Operations. The plant is expanding the power supply of one of Australia’s largest gold mines, Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines (KCGM), owned by Northern Star Resources Ltd.
Grid balancing feature
The new flexible engine power plant will enable the expansion of Northern Star’s KCGM Operations, which is currently underway. The fast-starting Wärtsilä engines have grid balancing capabilities to integrate wind and solar energy. Additionally, the new flexible engine power plant has the future potential to be connected to the SWIS grid at Kalgoorlie.
Wärtsilä’s full scope of supply includes ten Wärtsilä 31DF dual-fuel engines with synchronous condenser capability, the engineering, auxiliary modules, control system, operator interface system, and other performance critical auxiliaries.
Role of synchronous condensers
The synchronous condenser feature enables the generators to operate independently from the engines and provide reactive power support and inertia when engine power is not needed. This, together with the balancing capabilities of the engines, will strengthen the grid during times with high inputs of renewables, improve the grid’s voltage and frequency stability, and improve short-circuit capacity.
Highly efficient and reliable
“We have built a strong relationship with Zenith and are excited to support them as they strive to increase the utilisation of renewable energy in their operations. Our 31DF engine is highly efficient and reliable, and therefore ideally suited to this application, delivering the flexibility demanded with minimised emissions,” comments Kari Punnonen, Energy Business Director, Australasia, at Wärtsilä Energy.
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Featured photograph © Wärtsilä Corporation