Wärtsilä Contracts with Aqualectra to Build New Power Plant in Curaçao

New Power Plant to Support Curaçao’s Decarbonisation Program

Technology group Wärtsilä has been contracted by Aqualectra, Curaçao’s government-owned utilities company, to provide Engineering, Procurement and Construction in support of the country’s decarbonisation program. The latest order is for a new 38.4 MW power plant that will be capable of providing efficient grid balancing as the level of renewable energy in the system continues to increase.

Agreement signing – Front: Mathias West, CFO Neysa Isenia, Tganni Louisy. Back: Minister Charles Cooper, Chairman of the Board Renny Oehlers, Joseph Everon, and Rudolf Garmes.

New Salu Power Plant Details

The new Salu Power Plant is being supplied on a full engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) basis. Initially, the plant will provide baseload power but will be later utilised in a grid balancing role as part of the utility’s decarbonisation focus. It will operate with four Wärtsilä 20V32 engines and will immediately become one of Aqualectra’s most fuel-efficient power plants.

Combination of BESS and GEMS Solutions

Earlier this year, Aqualectra placed an order with Wärtsilä for a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), as well as Wärtsilä’s GEMS Digital Energy Platform. The combined system will enable the expansion of renewable energy capacity, representing an important step towards a sustainable energy future for the island.

Quote from Aqualectra CFO

“Aqualectra immensely values the continued partnership with Wärtsilä and their availability to hold discussions, exchange and build bridges so that, on this occasion, we could again sign a significant agreement for the island and people of Curaçao,” says Mrs. Neysa Isenia, CFO at Aqualectra.

Benefits of Wärtsilä Solutions

The combination of Wärtsilä’s BESS and GEMS solutions, supported by the new power plant, will provide grid stability and reliability, reduce unserved energy, and help mitigate the risk of brownouts and blackouts. In addition, the Wärtsilä solutions will allow Aqualectra to expand their decarbonisation vision while smoothing the intermittency of renewables.

Conclusion

Wärtsilä’s solutions will support Aqualectra’s strategic objective to provide the community with affordable, sustainable, and reliable electricity. The new power plant is expected to be fully operational by Q4 2025.

FAQs

Q: What is the capacity of the new power plant?
A: The new power plant has a capacity of 38.4 MW.

Q: What is the purpose of the new power plant?
A: The new power plant will provide efficient grid balancing as the level of renewable energy in the system continues to increase.

Q: What is the timeline for the construction and operation of the new power plant?
A: The construction of the power plant is being carried out on a fast-track basis, and the plant is expected to be fully operational by Q4 2025.

Q: What is the significance of this contract for Wärtsilä and Aqualectra?
A: This contract represents a significant milestone in the partnership between Wärtsilä and Aqualectra, demonstrating their commitment to decarbonisation and sustainable energy solutions.