Wärtsilä's Flexible Engine Technology To Power Up Rapid City's Grid

Technology group Wärtsilä will supply six dual-fuel engines with a total output of 99.6 MW for a power plant in Rapid City, South Dakota, USA. The plant will be owned and operated by Black Hills Energy. The Wärtsilä 50DF reciprocating internal combustion engines (RICE) will provide flexible fuel capability in order to meet grid reliability requirements. The engines are ideally suited for the South Dakota region, where severe weather conditions can negatively impact the natural gas fuel supply, creating demand for steady power generation by alternate fuel methods. The order placed with Wärtsilä was booked in Q4 2024.

The engines will be delivered on a fast-track basis, with installation completed and commercial operations commenced by Q3/Q4 2026. Wärtsilä’s ability to meet this sharp project timeline was cited as a key consideration in the award of the contract.

“Wärtsilä’s reputation in the reciprocating technology market made them the right choice for Black Hills Energy. Notably, these RICE units will enhance resiliency of the electric system and the ability to quickly respond to fluctuations in demand needs for our customers,” says Derek Silbaugh, Director of Generation Engineering and Environmental Services at Black Hills Energy.

Through this plant, Black Hills Energy, an investor-owned utility, will provide reliable and cost-effective electricity to their customers in South Dakota and Eastern Wyoming via the electric system, while strengthening the power grid reliability for local communities and businesses.

“We strive for responding to our customer’s needs by providing them with timely solutions for reliable and flexible power,” comments Jon Rodriguez, Energy Business Director, Engine Power Plants, North America at Wärtsilä Energy. “Not only are we able to support Black Hills Energy in addressing capacity deficit from retirement of aging generation units, but with the flexible nature of Wärtsilä’s reciprocating technology, Black Hills Energy can also successfully integrate more renewable energy into their system.”