ORANJESTAD, ARUBA – A major power plant extension is on the horizon for Aruba, as Finnish technology firm Wärtsilä has been contracted to expand the island’s existing energy infrastructure. The project, commissioned by WEB Aruba N.V., will add 36 megawatts (MW) of generating capacity to meet rising electricity demand fueled by record-high temperatures, tourism growth, and new resort and residential developments.
Once completed, Wärtsilä will provide 230 MW out of Aruba’s total 268 MW generation capacity—representing an impressive 85% share in the island’s power production.
Expanding Capacity to Power Aruba’s Growth
The order, officially signed in November 2024, was booked in Wärtsilä’s Q4 report and includes engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) for two Wärtsilä 50DF dual-fuel engines along with support systems. The new units will be installed at an existing site operated by WEB Aruba, the island’s exclusive water and energy provider.
“Meeting Aruba’s rising energy needs is critical, especially as the island experiences higher temperatures and increased demand from the tourism and housing sectors,” said Alfredo A. Koolman, CEO of WEB Aruba. “Wärtsilä’s proven track record makes them the ideal partner once again.”
A Long-Standing Partnership with Sustainable Goals
This latest project marks Wärtsilä’s fifth EPC collaboration with Aruba, extending a 28-year relationship between the company and WEB Aruba.
“The trust placed in us through repeat contracts like this speaks volumes,” said Jon Rodriguez, Energy Business Director at Wärtsilä. “Our engines support greater integration of renewable energy sources by providing fast-starting, flexible power to stabilize the grid—an essential step in Aruba’s clean energy future.”
The two new engines are scheduled for delivery in Q3 2025, with the full project expected to be operational by mid-2026. Due to limited space at the plant, existing radiator fields and auxiliary systems will be relocated during the build to accommodate the expansion.
A Strategic Investment in Aruba’s Energy Security
The expansion not only reinforces Aruba’s energy security but also aligns with the island’s long-term goals of creating a stable, reliable, and increasingly sustainable energy system.
Wärtsilä’s global experience spans 79 GW of installed power plant capacity and over 130 energy storage systems across 180 countries. Their technology supports the shift toward renewable energy and future-proof fuels—positioning Aruba as a forward-looking energy leader in the Caribbean.
Discussion about this post