WILLEMSTAD – Aqualectra has reached a major milestone in the construction of the new Salu Power Plant, a project that the utility company describes as a cornerstone of Curaçao’s future energy security and economic development.
During a ceremony held on Thursday, June 4, Aqualectra celebrated the completion of the highest structural point of the new power plant, marking a significant step forward in one of the island’s most important infrastructure projects in recent years.
According to Aqualectra, the milestone represents much more than construction progress. It symbolizes the company’s long-term commitment to building a stronger, more resilient utility infrastructure capable of meeting Curaçao’s growing energy demands while supporting the island’s economic expansion.
Major Investment in Curaçao’s Energy Future
The agreement for the construction of the Salu Power Plant was signed with Finnish technology company Wärtsilä during the final quarter of 2024. Construction activities began during 2025, and work has advanced steadily since then.
Once completed, the facility will add 40 megawatts of generating capacity to Curaçao’s electricity grid. The project also includes the installation of two sophisticated 50 MVA (Mega Volt Ampere) transformers designed to strengthen the stability and reliability of the island’s power network.
Aqualectra describes the plant as a “future-proof” facility that will help ensure a reliable electricity supply for years to come.
Meeting Growing Demand
The utility company notes that Curaçao’s economic growth, expanding tourism sector, and the increasing impact of global climate change are all contributing to rising demand for stable and dependable electricity.
To address these challenges, the Salu Power Plant will become part of a broader energy strategy that combines conventional generation with renewable energy technologies.
The new facility will operate alongside existing wind farms, the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), and the Energy Management System (EMS), creating a more flexible and efficient electricity network.
According to Aqualectra, the additional generating capacity will significantly improve its ability to maintain stable service during periods of peak demand.
The utility explained that the new plant will also make it easier to carry out regular maintenance on existing generators throughout the year. In the past, high electricity demand often required older generating units to remain in operation longer than planned, sometimes disrupting maintenance schedules.
By increasing overall generation capacity, Aqualectra expects to improve operational reliability while continuing to expand both conventional and renewable energy production.
Four Wärtsilä Engines Installed
Aqualectra also announced that another important phase of the project has already been completed.
During recent weeks, the company successfully transported and installed four Wärtsilä engines that will power the facility. Each engine has a capacity of 10 megawatts, bringing the plant’s total generating capacity to 40 megawatts.
The installation of the engines is considered one of the most critical stages of the project and places the construction effort firmly on track for completion.
First Power Expected This Year
Construction work continues to progress according to schedule, and Aqualectra expects the first kilowatt-hour of electricity to be generated by the Salu Power Plant during the fourth quarter of 2026.
The project comes at a time when energy security remains a key concern for Curaçao. In recent years, the island has experienced periods of high demand, maintenance challenges, and efforts to modernize aging infrastructure while simultaneously increasing the share of renewable energy in the electricity mix.
Long-Term Benefits for Households and Businesses
Aqualectra emphasized that the Salu Power Plant is ultimately an investment in the long-term welfare of the island.
The company said its focus remains on energy security, operational continuity, grid stability, and the ability to provide reliable electricity service to households, businesses, and institutions across Curaçao.
“With every step forward in this project, we are strengthening the foundation of Curaçao’s energy future,” the utility said.
Once operational, the Salu Power Plant is expected to become a key component of the island’s electricity system, helping to support continued economic growth while ensuring a more stable and resilient power supply for the years ahead.