Published 2 years ago
Lakeland Electric McIntosh Reciprocal Engine Plant Update and Transportation Incident
Caption: Engine unloaded at the Port of Tampa.
LAKELAND, Fla. (October 19, 2023) – The six Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines (RICE) from MAN have arrived in Lakeland for the new McIntosh Reciprocal Engine Plant (MREP). The engines traveled over 4,000 miles from the manufacturing plant in St. Nazaire, France, to the Port of Tampa by ship and then transported to Lakeland Electric's C.D. McIntosh Power Plant by rail. The next step is installing the engines in the MREP building over the next month.
These engines have the highest efficiency and power density in the market today and have been used for decades across the world for electric generation and are the first installation of MAN gas engines for power generation in North America. Their fast starting and ramp-up capability are intended to help the utility better manage customer demand and the fluctuation typical of solar power as the utility transitions toward using more renewables to reduce its carbon footprint.
The new power plant will provide 120 megawatts of power to Lakeland Electric customers and will be capable of up to 25% hydrogen fuel if it becomes financially viable in the future. An innovative heat recovery system will use a 200,000-gallon tank to keep the engines warm for a quick start and to save customers in auxiliary power costs year after year. The new plant will modernize Lakeland Electric’s power generation and is a responsible decision to keep the utility affordable, dependable, and sustainable for its customers.
These engines have the highest efficiency and power density in the market today and have been used for decades across the world for electric generation and are the first installation of MAN gas engines for power generation in North America. Their fast starting and ramp-up capability are intended to help the utility better manage customer demand and the fluctuation typical of solar power as the utility transitions toward using more renewables to reduce its carbon footprint.
The new power plant will provide 120 megawatts of power to Lakeland Electric customers and will be capable of up to 25% hydrogen fuel if it becomes financially viable in the future. An innovative heat recovery system will use a 200,000-gallon tank to keep the engines warm for a quick start and to save customers in auxiliary power costs year after year. The new plant will modernize Lakeland Electric’s power generation and is a responsible decision to keep the utility affordable, dependable, and sustainable for its customers.
Caption: Close-up of the train derailment.
Transportation Incident:
In an isolated incident on October 17, 2023, a railcar of the train transporting MAN equipment to Lakeland Electric’s C.D. McIntosh Jr. Power Plant derailed. The incident occurred entirely on the City of Lakeland property, and there were no injuries or damages to private property.
Crews, response teams and insurance representatives from all involved parties are on-site to evaluate damage to the equipment. MAN is working around the clock to ensure the project continues to move forward with as little disruption as possible.
In an isolated incident on October 17, 2023, a railcar of the train transporting MAN equipment to Lakeland Electric’s C.D. McIntosh Jr. Power Plant derailed. The incident occurred entirely on the City of Lakeland property, and there were no injuries or damages to private property.
Crews, response teams and insurance representatives from all involved parties are on-site to evaluate damage to the equipment. MAN is working around the clock to ensure the project continues to move forward with as little disruption as possible.
Engines #2, #3, #4, #5, and #6 are unharmed and will continue to be installed in the new power plant as scheduled, with engine #6 being installed first as initially scheduled.
Caption: Engines #2 through #6 at C.D. Mcintosh Jr. Power Plant.
We will issue an update when more details become available.
Caption: Engine during assembly.
RICE Engine Stats (per engine):
- 21’ tall
- 43’ long
- 310 tons
- Generates 20 MW
- 500 RPM
- 18 cylinders
About Lakeland Electric: Lakeland Electric is the third-largest public power utility in the State of Florida, serving 140,000 customers. It is one of the first utilities established in Florida, having begun operations in 1889 before being purchased by the City of Lakeland in 1904. Today, Lakeland Electric's 246 square mile territory serves the City of Lakeland and its environs with affordable, dependable, and sustainable electric power.
About MAN: MAN Energy Solutions enables its customers to achieve sustainable value creation in the transition towards a carbon-neutral future. Addressing tomorrow’s challenges within the marine, energy and industrial sectors, we improve efficiency and performance at a systemic level. Leading the way in advanced engineering for over 250 years, we provide a unique portfolio of technologies. Headquartered in Germany, MAN Energy Solutions employs some 14,000 people at over 120 sites globally. Our after-sales brand, MAN PrimeServ, offers a vast network of service centers to our customers all over the world.
