WILLEMSTAD – Aqualectra is warning that parts of Curaçao could experience temporary power interruptions Saturday night as declining wind speeds are expected to reduce electricity production at the same time that demand remains high.
The utility company said it has been closely monitoring the island’s electricity supply as the hotter season began earlier than usual. Although fluctuations in wind conditions and scheduled maintenance have affected available generating capacity, Aqualectra says it has so far managed to maintain continuous electricity supply across most of the island by combining conventional generation, wind power and battery storage.
The situation could become more difficult on Saturday, August 15, when wind speeds are forecast to decline substantially from the early morning hours. According to Aqualectra, this will significantly reduce production from the island’s wind turbines.
Demand, meanwhile, is expected to increase throughout the afternoon and evening.
Aqualectra’s projections show electricity demand rising from 105 megawatts at noon to 122 MW at 7:00 p.m. Demand is expected to continue climbing, reaching 128 MW at 8:00 p.m., 131 MW at 9:00 p.m. and 136 MW at 10:00 p.m. The highest projected demand is 139 MW at 11:00 p.m.
The company expects approximately 98 MW of conventional generating capacity to remain available throughout this period.
Wind generation, however, is projected at only about 10 MW during much of the evening. Aqualectra plans to use its battery system to compensate for the shortfall during the afternoon and early evening, with battery output reaching as much as 14 MW at 7:00 p.m.
After that, the situation becomes more challenging.
According to Aqualectra’s projections, there could be a capacity deficit of approximately 20 MW at 8:00 p.m., increasing to 23 MW at 9:00 p.m., 28 MW at 10:00 p.m. and as much as 32 MW at 11:00 p.m.
The deficit is expected to gradually decline after midnight before disappearing at around 3:00 a.m., as electricity demand falls and wind generation begins to recover.
Aqualectra said the batteries will help support the electricity system from approximately 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Saturday. Between 7:00 p.m. and approximately 2:00 a.m., however, the company expects it may have to temporarily switch off electricity to different areas to keep the overall grid as stable as possible.
Customers affected by the rotating interruptions could be without electricity for approximately two hours. Aqualectra said this approach is intended to prevent individual neighborhoods or areas from remaining without power for extended periods.
The company said it will continue monitoring changes in wind conditions, electricity demand and available generation capacity and will make adjustments where necessary.
Further updates will be provided through Aqualectra’s Facebook page and the media.
