WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao is moving forward with plans to build its first hydrogen production facility, which is expected to be operational by 2027. The facility will be a demonstration plant with a capacity of about 75 megawatts, powered by floating offshore wind turbines. This announcement was made by Ramon Chong, chairman of the Floating Offshore Wind Program Organization, during a seminar of the Dutch Caribbean Economists Association last week. 

The plant marks the first phase of an ambitious project to transform Curaçao into a regional producer and exporter of green hydrogen. The project will be developed in stages, with plans to expand to a maximum of 1,200 megawatts by 2032 and reach a final capacity of nearly 10,000 megawatts by 2037. According to Chong, the island has sufficient offshore wind energy to achieve these goals. 

Collaboration with the Netherlands 

Curaçao's partnership with the Netherlands has been formalized through a memorandum of understanding in 2023 and a framework agreement in 2024. This collaboration guarantees support from Dutch ministries and research institutes such as TNO and RVO. Preliminary soil studies and system analyses have shown no technical barriers to the project’s realization. The selected sites for the wind farms are located offshore, providing ample space for development. 

Additional studies are already underway, focusing on grid connectivity, infrastructure, hydrogen production, and export facilities. The Curaçao government is collaborating with Aqualectra, Curoil, port operator CPA, 2BAYS Curaçao, and various Dutch ministries to ensure the success of the project, which aims to position Curaçao as a leader in the green energy transition. 

Economic Opportunities and Political Support 

Chong emphasized that the project represents a unique opportunity for economic renewal and job creation. He also stressed the importance of political support and strategic collaboration, especially in light of international developments, such as the potential loss of U.S. climate subsidies under the current U.S. administration. 

If successful, the project could allow Curaçao to begin exporting hydrogen and derivative products by 2030. This would mark the island's return to a significant role in the global energy market, following the shutdown of the Isla refinery.