Southern Company subsidiary Southern Power and Wärtsilä, a leading supplier of flexible generation technology, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop two flexible gas power plant projects, which could be as large as 450 megawatts each. Southern Power will lead this effort.

"Renewables are an important part of a diverse energy mix, and flexible generation complements the rapid growth of intermittent renewables," said Southern Power President and CEO Buzz Miller. "This agreement is an early stage in a lengthy process, but we believe this technology could be an excellent solution for our customers and for many others in the marketplace that we hope to serve through this relationship."

Southern Power is a leader in the development, installation and operation of electric power facilities and has a proven track record of operational reliability and safety. The development of flexible gas power plant projects would align with the company's overall business strategy of strengthening its wholesale business through acquiring and constructing generating assets that are substantially covered by long-term contracts with creditworthy counterparties.

"In the USA we are seeing a large demand for flexible generation and Wärtsilä provides the most efficient and fastest starting solution making this the ideal investment for customers to serve the need for flexibility. We are excited to be teaming with Southern Power, a leader in the development, installation and operation of electric power facilities with a proven track record of operational reliability and safety," said President at Wärtsilä Energy Solutions President Javier Cavada.

Today, Southern Power continues to strategically grow its portfolio of more than 12,600 MW through the acquisition and development of clean energy solutions. The company owns and operates 10 combined-cycle and combustion-turbine natural gas-fueled power plants that generate more than 9,000 MW across five states. Additionally, the company owns more than 3,000 MW of renewable generation.

After contracts signed with the cities of Denton and Tallahassee over the past 12 months, Wärtsilä continues to grow its footprint in the USA. The current installed base, including projects under construction, is more than 3,000 MW. Globally, Wärtsilä's installed power plant base is 63 GW in 176 countries.