India's energy sector is set to undergo a significant transformation. The country has set a target to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2070 and aims to achieve an ambitious 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030.
While increasing the share of renewables, it will be crucial to add flexibility to the power system. Flexible assets are needed to integrate and balance intermittent renewables and enhance power system stability and reliability.
Wärtsilä’s flexible engine power plants provide the needed balancing power to keep the grid stable and reliable. They are future-proof and can run on sustainable fuels once they become available, enabling 100% renewable energy systems.
Wärtsilä’s flexible gas balancing engine power plants are ideal for supporting intermittent renewables. They reach full load in a few minutes, have no minimum up or down time, can operate at loads as low as 10% of their full output, and ramp up output quickly while maintaining high efficiency. They retain nearly 48% efficiency across varied operating loads and optimise fuel consumption. Their modular design allows operators to start only the necessary units, improving grid reliability and stability.
To further strengthen grid stability, Wärtsilä engines can be equipped with a synchronous condenser feature. The synchronous condensers stabilise grid frequency and voltage, and support faster recovery during power grid faults such as short-circuits, helping maintain system stability as more renewables enter the grid.
Because engines can cycle and ramp endlessly with minimal wear, they avoid the cycling costs and major overhauls.
Additionally, depending on the market regulations, power generation companies can earn extra revenue through participation in ancillary services.
Wärtsilä’s engines are designed to operate on various gaseous and liquid fuels such as natural gas, biogas and sustainable fuels, including hydrogen blends up to 25vol%. Fuel switching is instant and does not require shutdown.
Learn more about sustainable fuels
To support the transition from fossil fuels, we’ve introduced the world’s first large-scale engine capable of running on 100% hydrogen. This makes today’s investments in engine technology future-proof to tomorrow’s energy landscape without the risk of them becoming stranded assets as the grid moves toward full decarbonisation.
The Wärtsilä 46TS is a proven technology and our most advanced and flexible engine platform, purpose-built to support both renewable integration as well as deliver cost-effective baseload power.
High mechanical output (23.4 MW/unit) means fewer engines are needed to meet demand, simplifying plant design and reducing overall capital cost.
World-class efficiency (51.3%) saves fuel and reduces emissions.
Excellent performance in extreme ambient conditions, with no derating required in temperatures ranging from -55°C to +55°C.
Rapid response to fluctuations with fast ramp-up time (2 minutes).
No minimum up or downtime requirements.
Reciprocating internal combustion engines have been proven to start and stop quickly, adjust power rapidly, and operate efficiently at various loads when compared to aeroderivative gas turbines (aeros). In other words, engines are more flexible.
We gathered real-world data from the South Australia’s National Electricity Market to show how two power generation technologies, engines and aeros, behave as a part of the power system.
This animation video demonstrates the exceptional flexibility that engine power plants provide in balancing renewables in real time. It is clearly evident that engines are dispatched much more frequently and earlier than aeros and provide continuous balancing of renewables on a minute-by-minute basis.
In a market where capacity needs are growing and policies are becoming stringent, long lead times can put utilities at a disadvantage. Wärtsilä engine power plants need relatively short erection, and commissioning times and can be delivered within 18 months.
For utilities under pressure to meet reliability standards, this faster delivery time provides a competitive advantage, enabling them to respond more quickly to the changing energy demands and market conditions.
We’ve already proven our fast-track capability around the world. Wärtsilä has delivered large-scale plants on fast-track delivery to help utilities meet urgent demand and avoid costly delays.
Wärtsilä has been present in India since the early 1980s and delivered about 430 power plants with a total capacity of over 4 GW in the country. With our power system expertise and market-leading technologies, we help our customers and the power sector to accelerate their decarbonisation journey. We take care of the operations and maintenance of the power plants on behalf of our customers in 24 locations across the country.
Wärtsilä was selected to supply a gas-fuelled 15.5 MW captive power plant under an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract along with a 5-year Operation & Maintenance (O&M) agreement.
In partnership with AGL Energy Limited, Wärtsilä supplied 12 50DF dual-fuel engines for the 211 MW Barker Inlet Power Station. Commissioned in 2019, the plant was built for rapid-start operation and high efficiency, playing a crucial role in balancing renewables within the National Electricity Market.
Tokyo Gas Engineering Solutions selected Wärtsilä to supply ten Wärtsilä 34SG gas engines for the 100 MW Sodegaura power plant. Commissioned in 2025, the plant provides the needed flexibility to enable critical grid balancing as well as plays a key role in supporting the company’s participation in Japan’s balancing market and newly launched capacity market.
Centrica partnered with Wärtsilä to deliver two 50 MW flexible gas power plants to address intermittency from renewables and provide balancing capacity with under two-minute startup time, supporting the UK’s transition to a decarbonised energy system.
Wärtsilä was selected by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) to deliver an additional ten Wärtsilä 50SG gas engines, following a previous 190 MW order. With this second phase, LCRA is doubling its engine-based capacity to enhance grid flexibility and provide fast-start support during peak demand.
In partnership with Mexico’s Federal Electricity Commission (CFE), Wärtsilä delivered two large power plants – the 400 MW Mexicali Oriente plant and 200 MW Altar plant – to strengthen electricity supply in Baja California. Despite extreme summer temperatures reaching 50°C and global supply chain challenges, Wärtsilä was able to complete both projects in well under two years from contract signing.
At Wärtsilä, our commitment to customers extends well beyond project delivery. We provide long-term lifecycle services that combine decades of global power generation experience with the latest digital technologies like advanced analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning. With Wärtsilä as the lifecycle services partner, customers can be sure of safe, reliable and efficient operations throughout the lifetime of their power plants.
Our remote support solutions, including real-time monitoring and 24/7 remote support through Wärtsilä Expertise Centre in Navi Mumbai, help you to cut operating costs through data and infrastructure optimisation, preventing problems before they occur.
Whether one is looking for a full operation and maintenance partnership, or targeted performance upgrades, we offer service agreements tailored to their needs:
Ensure safe and reliable operations:
Ensure power plant performance:
Protect your investment:
Wärtsilä, in collaboration with the Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology (LUT), has carried out a modelling study to explore the feasibility of a net-zero power system across India by 2050. The findings of the study show that India can undertake a cost-optimal shift to 100% renewable energy (RES) and avoid locking in a highly polluting, more expensive and less effective transition.
Curious to find out the best engine for your power plant? Our interactive Power plant designer is here to assist you. How it works:
With just a few clicks, you'll receive a personalised recommendation for the optimal engine to meet your needs. Ready to unlock the potential of your next power plant? Dive into the experience and get started now!
Wärtsilä is ready to support India in building a more flexible, cost-effective, and future-proof power system. If you'd like to discuss how our engine solutions could fit into your plans, get in touch with our local experts today!
Zakir Khan
Email: zakir.khan@wartsila.com
Mobile: 91-9999944147
