KYMEA ENERGY CENTER I

Seventy-five (75) megawatt natural gas power plant.
Plant consists of four (4) Wärtsilä 18V50SG reciprocating internal combustion engines (RICE).
The 18V50SG engines are the world’s largest four-stroke gas engines (18 MW), with 18 cylinders and a diameter of 50 cm. Each engine weighs 396 tons and is 18.6 meters long.
Fast-starting capability enables rapid response to fluctuations inherent to Ashwood Solar I intermittent generation.
Minimal water consumption with low greenhouse gas emissions.
100 construction jobs and 15 full-time jobs.

PURPOSE AND BENEFITS

In 2027, KYMEA has a need for additional power supply for the sole purpose of serving the All-Requirements (AR) members.Through KYMEA’s integrated resource planning (IRP) process, the RICE technology was identified as the preferred option to add to the portfolio due to:
• Efficient engines burning clean, low-cost natural gas.
• Low-carbon emissions.
• Modular, scalable design.
• Operational flexibility for balancing KYMEA’s load.
• Backup for renewable generation.
• Ease of maintenance with long service intervals.

KYMEA has awarded contracts to procure, construct, operate, and maintain the KYMEA Energy Center I power plant, leveraging KYMEA’s tax-exempt financing capability.

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SPECIAL MILESTONES

  • 5/2024-7/2025
    Permitting
  • 3/2024-10/2025
    Interconnection Process
  • 1/2025-4/2025
    Substation Site Prep
  • 7/2025-1/2027
    Substation Construction
  • 1/2026-4/2026
    Gas Light Construction
  • 4/2025-12/2026
    Plant Construction
  • 12/2026
    Engine Delivery
  • 12/2026-5/2027
    Plant Commissioning

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES

Updated in November 2025
Building Momentum: November Highlights for the Energy Center I Project

During November, significant strides were made across multiple areas of the Energy Center I project. Site construction advanced with the completion of engine hall backfill, ongoing vapor barrier and insulation work, and the installation of several duct banks and manholes. Grounding and concrete activities continued in both the engine hall and admin building, despite a short Thanksgiving week and some rain delays. Key equipment deliveries, such as generators reaching the port, marked important milestones, and contracts for roofing, painting, and other trades are progressing. Coordination with vendors and engineering teams remains active, with pipeline bidding scheduled for January and commissioning proposals in development.

Overall, November saw steady progress in site preparation, equipment logistics, and critical infrastructure installation, keeping the project on track for upcoming construction and operational milestones.

Updated in October 2025
Foundations and Duck Banks Take Shape

Construction at the KYMEA Energy Center I site in Madisonville continued to progress steadily through October. Crews completed major concrete pours for the engine foundations, establishing the base for the reciprocating internal combustion engines that will power the facility. Work also advanced on the installation of duck banks, which will house electrical and control conduits essential for future equipment connections. Site grading and underground utility work remain on schedule, positioning the project for upcoming phases of steel erection and equipment installation.

Updated in September 2025
Laydown Developed and Pilings Set

The laydown area has been developed, which will be used throughout the project as an equipment delivery and staging area.

Pilings have been set for the engine hall area. There are roughly 140 pilings that are secured into the rock 15 feet below.

Updated in August 2025
Over Excavation Completed

The Pollard team has successfully removed the poor-quality soil found in the Engine Hall, Administration, and Electrical areas, replacing it with high-quality backfill.

Updated in July 2025
Poor Site Conditions Slowed Progress in July

The site experienced historical rainfall in July that led to poor soil conditions. The Christman and Pollard teams developed a game plan to overcome the poor soil conditions, minimizing their impact on the project timeline.

Updated in May 2025
Laying the Groundwork

Site prep work has begun and is progressing well. The installation of erosion control measures, including silt fencing and straw bales, has been installed to protect the surrounding environment.

Updated in March 2025
Groundbreaking

KYMEA hosted its groundbreaking ceremony on April 15th.

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Updated in January 2025
Permitting

KYMEA is in the process of securing the necessary permits for its energy center by meeting all regulatory requirements and working closely with the required local, state, and federal agencies.

Updated in January 2025
Interconnection Process
KYMEA has started the interconnection process. Necessary interconnection and system impact studies are currently underway.

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