Agreement between Aqualectra and Wärtsilä for the construction of a new power plant
WILLEMSTAD - Aqualectra is moving forward with firm determination towards realizing its vision of providing reliable, affordable, and sustainable utility services to the community of Curaçao. As part of the various efforts Aqualectra is working on to achieve this goal, Aqualectra and Wärtsilä signed an agreement on September 2nd for the construction of a new power plant, which will be operational by the end of 2025.
This plant, along with our new wind turbines, the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), and the automated Energy Management System, will bring fundamental changes to the production and distribution of electricity in Curaçao. Aqualectra will have increased production capacity, ensuring that even during periods of high demand, our service to customers remains stable. Additionally, the plant will enable Aqualectra to maintain a consistent maintenance schedule throughout the year for all machines in production. In the past, high demand often required machines to operate beyond capacity, sometimes disrupting the maintenance schedule for these machines. All these efforts are helping Aqualectra expand our capacity, both conventional and renewable, and improve the quality of our services.
Aqualectra and Wärtsilä have collaborated for over 27 years and have developed a strong mutual relationship. Aqualectra currently operates Wärtsilä engines at our facilities at Dokweg 1, 2A, and 2B. Aqualectra recognizes Wärtsilä's ongoing commitment to working together and contributing to the realization of our efforts for the well-being of our community.
Our new power plant will carry the name 'Salu Power Plant,' a name proposed by one of the plant's own operators at Aqualectra. The 'Salu Power Plant' will have a capacity of 40MW (Megawatts) on our grid, including two sophisticated 50 MVA (Mega Volt Ampere) transformers.
Considering Curaçao's economic and tourism growth in recent years, along with factors such as global climate change, it is crucial to invest in efforts that fundamentally improve our service to the community. Although the future may bring unforeseen challenges and various factors may influence our efforts, Aqualectra is committed to continuing to serve with dedication, with a steadfast focus on our vision for energy in Curaçao.