Denton Energy Center

Project Summary

We provided self-perform construction services for the new 225-megawatt (MW) Denton Energy Center. The natural gas-fired power facility features Wartsila 18V50SG reciprocating engine technology configured to provide flexible, fast-start power to Denton Municipal Electric (DME) as the city-owned utility progressively integrates more renewable power resources into its network.

The Denton Energy Center is a key component of the Renewable Denton Plan. Under the plan, DME is moving toward green, low emission power with approximately 70% renewable energy. Because of the fluctuations in the supply from renewables, the Denton Energy Center is used to follow the renewable load and stabilize the grid.

The plant is one of the most flexible and efficient power generation facilities due to its modular nature in which each Wartsila engine can be dispatched independently to quickly scale output up or down with minimal sacrifice in peak efficiency. The flexibility will become increasingly important as Denton continues to add more intermittent wind and solar power to its energy portfolio.

Features

• 12 Wartsila 18V50SG natural-gas fired reciprocating engines generating 225 MW
• Greenfield site
• 25% power in two minutes; full plant output in less than five minutes
• 25% minimum load to support grid stability
• Black start capability
• SCR/CO catalyst for NOx/CO reduction
• 138 kV switchyard