Wartsila signs decarbonisation pact for Madagascan power plant

Wartsila announced on August 19 the renewal and expansion of its existing operations and maintenance (O&M) agreement with QIT Madagascar Minerals (QMM), a subsidiary of the Rio Tinto group.

The updated agreement now includes a decarbonisation component aimed at optimising all assets within the microgrid, particularly focusing on enhancing renewable energy usage. This initiative is expected to reduce emissions and generate cost savings.

The O&M agreement continues to cover QMM's 24 MW engine power plant at its ilmenite mineral sands mine in Fort Dauphin, southeastern Madagascar. Key elements of the agreement include the optimised dispatch of the plant's six Wartsila 32 engines, along with QMM's battery energy storage and renewable assets, all managed through Wartsila's GEMS Digital Energy Platform.

The GEMS software, which leverages machine learning technology, optimises multiple energy generation assets to ensure maximum utilisation of renewable energy.

The hybrid power plant supplies electricity both to the mine and the nearby town of Fort Dauphin.