WILLEMSTAD - The Curaçaoan government has earmarked 25 million guilders for the development of an offshore floating wind farm, as revealed during the 2025 budget discussions by the Ministry of Economic Development (MEO). Announced two years ago, this initiative aligns with the island's ambition to invest in renewable energy.
Currently, the project is in the exploratory phase, with studies underway to assess its feasibility. The preparatory phase, jointly funded by the Netherlands and Curaçao, includes an investment of 10 million euros. Fugro, a Dutch company specializing in geotechnical and geophysical surveys, has conducted seabed analyses.
Additionally, legal evaluations are being carried out to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and an environmental impact study is planned to assess the project's effects on its surroundings.
These studies will guide the technical and logistical plans for the wind farm, with the government emphasizing the importance of collaboration with global private sector companies to realize the project.
Ten-Year Plan
Curaçao declared in 2023 its ambition to become a leading player in renewable energy within a decade and to evolve into a major exporter of sustainable energy within 20 years.
The island’s green agenda has been heavily influenced by the Netherlands, which views this as an opportunity to involve Dutch businesses in the Caribbean region’s energy transformation. In 2023, former Climate and Energy Minister Rob Jetten signed a declaration of intent, pledging Dutch support for Curaçao’s ambitious plans.
These plans are rooted in research conducted by TNO, which established a "living lab" in Curaçao—a localized research and innovation environment. Key Dutch companies involved include the Port of Rotterdam, Damen Shipyards, VDL Group, Vopak, and Van Oord. From Curaçao, participating entities include Refineria di Kòrsou, Aqualectra (water and energy company), Selikor (waste management), and ABC Busbedrijf.
Floating Wind Farm and Living Lab
A central feature of TNO’s living lab, also involving the University of Curaçao, is the construction of a large offshore floating wind farm. By 2035, this facility aims to generate 5-6 gigawatts of renewable energy, far exceeding Curaçao’s daily requirement of 130 megawatts.
Excess energy will be converted into hydrogen for export to the region and the Netherlands. "The idea behind the living lab is that chain innovations can be implemented more quickly on the island scale, and proven successes can be rapidly scaled up," TNO stated.
"This approach enables new applications developed in Curaçao—thanks to its significant solar and wind energy potential—to be implemented across the Caribbean, in the Netherlands, or elsewhere."
Photo: The Fugro Brasilis, a Dutch research vessel mapping the seabed.
