LOS ANGELES -- Capstone Green Energy Holdings, Inc., announced that Valparaiso High School and Benjamin Franklin Middle School, part of the Valparaiso Community Schools (VCS) district in Indiana, have placed an order for four C65 Capstone microturbines. Two units will be installed at each campus and paired with Vergent Power Solutions controllers to deliver both prime power and combined heat and power (CHP) for domestic hot water and building heating. The order was secured by Vergent Power Solutions, Capstone’s exclusive distributor for the Midwest and Northeast United States and Eastern Canada and is expected to be commissioned later this month.

This project marks another successful collaboration between Vergent and Veregy, a NAESCO-accredited, energy services company (ESCO). The two companies first partnered in 2020 to bring a Capstone C65 system to Argos Community Schools in Indiana, a project that improved energy efficiency, lowered costs, and strengthened resiliency. Five years later, the project met or exceeded all of its energy conservation goals.

The new installations at VCS are the cornerstone of Valparaiso’s Phase 2 $17 million Guaranteed Energy Savings Contract (GESC). Phase 2 includes solar, retro-commissioning, and other energy efficiency upgrades. This Phase 2 project builds on the district’s earlier sustainability efforts, which have already generated more than $7.6 million in projected energy savings over 12 years through the use of solar arrays, LED lighting upgrades, HVAC enhancements, and real-time utility monitoring. Together, these efforts represent one of the most comprehensive K–12 energy efficiency programs in the state of Indiana.

Fueled by clean natural gas, the four Capstone C65 systems will provide reliable, low-maintenance, and quiet on-site power, an especially important feature given their proximity to classrooms. By producing both electricity and heat, the CHP systems will further reduce utility costs and support the district’s long-term sustainability and resiliency goals.

This installation represents another successful deployment of Capstone technology in the education sector, where energy efficiency, sustainability, and cost savings are critical. By producing both electricity and useful heat on-site, the schools will reduce their environmental footprint while ensuring a resilient energy supply for students and staff.

Source: Capstone Green Energy
Associated URL: https://www.capstonegreenenergy.com/news/press-releases?page=2

October 1, 2025 Amarillo, TX

In a major step toward strengthening grid energy reliability across its Southwest service territory, Xcel Energy has purchased 10 large gas turbines and associated generation equipment from Siemens Energy to support construction of two power plants. The investment comes as electric demand surges across the region, driven by evolving energy needs and the planned retirement of Xcel Energy’s Tolk Station.  

The new facilities will add 2,088 megawatts of dispatchable generation capacity, ensuring flexible, on-demand power during peak usage and volatile market conditions. 

“As demand for reliable energy grows, dispatchable power is no longer optional,” said Luke Baker, Head of Gas Services Sales, North America, at Siemens Energy. “Our turbine technology ensures availability and flexibility in a region critical to America’s energy future.” 

At Tolk Station in Muleshoe, Texas, Xcel Energy will retire its coal plant and install five Siemens Energy SGT6-5000F gas turbines and five SGen6-1000A generators, delivering 928 megawatts of backup energy to support grid stability. 

In Gaines County, a new peaker plant will be built to rapidly generate electricity during high demand periods. It will feature five additional F-class turbines and five generators, adding 1,160 megawatts of fully dispatchable capacity. 

“These power plant projects are part of a broader portfolio that includes 17 new power initiatives and more than 5,000 megawatts of added capacity by 2030,” said Adrian J. Rodriguez, president, Xcel Energy – Texas, New Mexico. “We are committed to thoughtfully investing in a balanced mix of energy resources that deliver reliable service to our customers and support long-term economic growth across the region. This approach ensures we can meet today’s energy needs with confidence and deliver lasting value, while preparing for the evolving expectations of tomorrow’s customers and communities.” 

The first turbine deliveries are scheduled for early 2026, with anticipated commercial operation dates aligned to meet Southwest Power Pool’s increased regional planning reserve margin requirements. 

Siemens Energy’s SGT6-5000F gas turbine is designed for fast start-up and quick load changes, with world-class emissions performance and exceptional operating efficiency – making it ideal for peak, intermediate or baseload applications. 

Source: Siemens Energy
Associated URL: https://www.siemens-energy.com/global/en/home/press-releases/Siemens-Energy-to-supply-ten-gas-turbines-to-Xcel-Energy.html

ROME - An essential step toward ensuring the stability and adaptability of Italy’s national energy infrastructure.

A power increase of 43 MW, an efficiency improvement of 0.9%, and a reduction of more than 10,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year: these were the expected results of the upgrade recently completed by Ansaldo Energia at Alpiq’s San Severo combined-cycle power plant (FG). The first operational tests, however, have already demonstrated even better performance than initially anticipated.

The project, completed within the agreed timeframe, involved the gas turbine, steam turbine, and generator, while also enhancing operational flexibility. In addition, the plant will now be able to operate with up to 25% hydrogen, contributing to Italy’s decarbonization goals.

In operation since 2011, with a capacity of around 400 MW and able of supplying electricity to nearly 1 million households, the Alpiq’s San Severo plant is one of the most modern combined-cycle facilities in Southern Italy. It generates electricity while providing essential grid stabilization services. Thanks to the recent upgrade, the plant strengthens its role as a flexible and highly efficient asset supporting both national energy security and the energy transition.

Source: Ansaldo Energia
Associated URL: https://www.ansaldoenergia.com/about-us/media-center/power-generation-news-insights/detail-news/ansaldo-energia-successfully-completes-the-upgrade-of-alpiqs-san-severo-power-plant