MAN Energy Gas Engines Will Power New Texas Peaker Plant

The Kerrville (Texas) Public Utility Board (KPUB) has selected MAN Energy Solutions to supply six 18V51/60G gas engines for a new 124-MW power plant. The facility, which will be built adjacent to the existing 51-MW Sky Global Power One in Colorado County, Texas, will leverage the site’s existing power transmission infrastructure. It will be designed as a peaker plant that will support the power grid during periods of high demand for electricity, or when other sources of power are not available.

KPUB is a municipal utility that supplies electricity to more than 24,000 customers in Kerrville and the surrounding area.

“We’re proud of the experienced team we’ve assembled for this project, with MAN Energy Solutions serving as its foundation,” said Mike Wittler, general manager and CEO of KPUB. “Their technology, professionalism, and support through the early stages of development have impressed us at every turn. This partnership strengthens our ability to protect our ratepayers and continue offering some of the lowest electric rates in Texas for decades to come.”

KPUB’s new power generation facility will be constructed adjacent to the Sky Global Power One plant in Colorado County, Texas, leveraging existing infrastructure and a proven operational location. Source: MAN Energy Solutions

Alexander Stöckler, head of Sales, Tendering and Project Management for the Power Segment at MAN Energy Solutions, said, “We are delighted that KPUB has chosen our proven gas engines that are already being used in a large number of power-plant projects worldwide. As a reliable and efficient solution, they will prove ideal for ensuring grid stability. This is now our second power-plant order for 18V51/60G engines in the USA, boosting our reputation as a competent partner for American gas power-plant projects.”

MAN Energy Solutions also will provide engine- and plant-specific systems and components, and will handle the transport of the engines to the site. The project was selected in the first group of applications for potential support through the Texas Energy Fund (TEF) and is currently undergoing the fund’s due-diligence process.

The TEF provides financing for gas-fired power generation projects across the state. MAN Energy Solutions has supported KPUB throughout the application process and continues to assist during the review phase. The engines are scheduled for delivery in mid-2026, with commercial operation of the plant expected in 2027.

Plant Will Help Stabilize Power Grid

The ongoing expansion of renewable energy in Texas requires measures to stabilize the power grid. MAN Energy Solutions’ gas engines are designed for flexibility, with a fast start-up during peak power demand periods, and when needed due to low solar or wind power generation.

“Our engines reliably and efficiently deliver electricity whenever required and for as long as necessary,” said Johann Stocks, head of Power, Americas at MAN Energy Solutions. “Similarly, their exhaust after-treatment system has been specifically developed and optimized for the requirements of the U.S. market to achieve ideal emission values.”

KPUB will operate the engines with natural gas, though the equipment also can operate with synthetic methane, biofuels, or a hydrogen mixture.

—Darrell Proctor is a senior editor for POWER.