Aruba expands power capacity by 36 megawatts following investment of 115 million florins

ORANJESTAD – WEB Aruba has officially commissioned two new RECIP engines. With the expansion, the production capacity of the RECIP installations rises from 194 to 230 megawatts. The project involved an investment of 115 million florins.

The new engines were officially handed over and put into operation on August 19. Minister of Energy Arthur Dowers performed the commissioning together with the management of WEB Aruba and a representative of Wärtsilä Finland.

The expansion provides Aruba with 36 megawatts of additional production capacity. According to the government, this extra capacity should increase the reliability of the electricity supply and provide room for further growth in energy demand.

According to the government, demand is increasing due to economic growth, tourism and higher consumption. Periods of extreme heat also put extra strain on the electricity grid.

The government therefore emphasises that Aruba must add sufficient production capacity in time to prevent demand from exceeding available capacity.

Ahead of schedule

The expansion of RECIP-3 was completed one week ahead of schedule, according to the government. The project included the transport of large installations to Aruba, the technical installation and the integration of the new engines into the existing power plant.

With the commissioning of the engines, WEB aims to further strengthen security of supply.

According to the government, the expansion simultaneously lays the foundation for the next phase of energy policy. Aruba is working on the further deployment of renewable energy and storage, including a larger share of solar and wind energy in electricity production.

The additional dispatchable production capacity is intended to help ensure that sufficient reliable capacity remains available even as the share of sustainable energy grows.