Madisonville, KY – The Kentucky Municipal Energy Agency (KYMEA) today held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Energy Center I, a state-of-the-art RICE (Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engine) power plant designed to deliver 75 net megawatts (MW) of capacity. This innovative facility will enhance energy reliability and support KYMEA’s commitment to integrating renewable energy sources into a sustainable energy portfolio.
The KYMEA Energy Center I, will feature four advanced Wärtsilä 18V50SG RICE generators, each with a nominal output capacity of 18.8 MW. Engineered for both continuous and peaking services, the plant boasts the capability for multiple quick starts and stops per day. This flexibility enables the facility to rapidly respond to fluctuations in renewable energy availability, thereby ensuring a consistent and reliable power supply.
KYMEA’s CEO, Doug Buresh, remarked that “KYMEA’s groundbreaking ceremony marks a critical milestone in the agency’s broader strategy to diversify its energy mix while promoting a cleaner, more resilient power grid. The Energy Center I RICE Power Plant will be an essential part of the energy infrastructure that will serve Kentucky’s municipals for decades to come.”
In a display of strong local partnership, the project has also benefited from the wonderful involvement and participation of the City of Madisonville. Local officials and community leaders have actively collaborated with KYMEA to ensure the project meets both regional energy needs and local economic goals, fostering a collaborative spirit that underscores the collective commitment to sustainable growth.
The construction phase of Energy Center I is expected to create approximately 100 local jobs, with up to 15 permanent positions available upon completion. The Christman Company and Stanley Consultants have been selected to lead the engineering and construction efforts, with a strong emphasis on employing local subcontractors and suppliers.
“We are honored to contribute to such a transformative project,” said Troy Moulton, Vice President-Industrial and Power, The Christman Company. “By bringing our expertise and dedication to local job creation and superior development, we are proud to support KYMEA in powering Kentucky’s future.”
Wärtsilä, a global leader in innovative technologies for the energy sector, is equally enthusiastic about the project. Jon Rodriguez, Energy Business Director for North America of Wärtsilä, remarked, “It’s a privilege to supply our Wärtsilä 18V50SG generators for the KYMEA Energy Center I. Our technology is at the forefront of enabling fast, efficient, and reliable energy production, which is crucial for integrating renewable sources into a resilient energy mix and in helping communities receive reliable energy.”
Site development kicks off this week, with a proposed in-service date of Summer 2027. The facility is expected to operate for at least 30 years, contributing to Kentucky’s energy landscape for decades to come.
The KYMEA Energy Center I represents KYMEA’s commitment to providing environmentally intelligent and reliable energy solutions. This project is a testament to our dedication to serving the community with integrity and innovation.
About Kentucky Municipal Energy Agency
The Kentucky Municipal Energy Agency (KYMEA) is a public power agency dedicated to providing reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible energy solutions to communities throughout Kentucky. By integrating innovative technology with sustainable practices, KYMEA continues to lead the way in shaping a modern, resilient energy future. More information is available at www.kymea.org.
More information is available at www.kymea.org.