The WEB Aruba battery project has officially begun, launching construction of a utility-scale storage system expected to become the largest battery park in the Caribbean.
BESS II will store 70 MWh of electricity
WEB Aruba announced the start of the Battery Energy Storage System project, known as BESS II, during a ceremony on September 23, according to 24ora. The facility is planned with a maximum power output of 35 megawatts and storage capacity of 70 megawatt-hours.
At full capacity, the system could theoretically deliver 35 MW for about two hours. Completion is planned for 2028.
Storage supports Aruba’s renewable-energy target
BESS II is part of the national goal for renewable sources to supply an average of 50% of Aruba’s annual electricity by 2030. The battery will store wind and solar power when production exceeds immediate demand, then return that energy to the grid when it is needed.
WEB plans to integrate the battery with wind and solar parks, reciprocating engines and its gas turbine. Automated management systems will continually determine which available source should be used to support a reliable and efficient electricity supply.
WEB partners with Wärtsilä on the project
WEB signed an agreement with Wärtsilä after preparation and feasibility studies. Chief executive Alfredo Koolman also acknowledged support from the Netherlands’ Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy for Aruba’s energy transition.
