ORANJESTAD — WEB Aruba has officially completed the expansion of its RECIP-3 power plant, increasing the island’s electricity-generation capacity from 194 MW to 230 MW.
The expansion was formally handed over on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, during a ceremony at WEB Aruba. Strategic partner Wärtsilä Finland Oy delivered two new RECIP engines together with their generators, completing a project that took nearly two years to execute.
WEB Aruba CEO Alfredo Koolman and CTO Alfredo Ruiz joined Energy Minister Arthur Dowers and Wärtsilä representative Matthew deHaven to officially start the two new engines.
The total investment in the WEB Aruba RECIP-3 expansion amounted to AWG 115 million.
More Reliable Electricity Supply
With the two additional engines in operation, WEB Aruba says the extra firm capacity will help strengthen the reliability of electricity supply and support continued growth in demand across the island.
The additional capacity will also allow WEB to replace the temporary mobile power plant that entered service in August 2024 to reinforce Aruba’s electricity supply.
Koolman said the expansion provides not only additional generation capacity, but also a stronger foundation for integrating more renewable energy into Aruba’s electricity system.
Supporting Renewable Energy Growth
The WEB Aruba RECIP-3 expansion forms part of a broader strategy aimed at creating a more reliable, affordable and sustainable energy system.
WEB is also preparing renewable-energy and storage projects intended to increase the contribution of wind power, solar energy and battery storage to Aruba’s energy mix.
According to WEB, the additional firm generation capacity will make it easier to integrate intermittent renewable sources while maintaining stability in the electricity network.
Project Completed Despite Challenges
WEB said the project faced several challenges during construction, including logistics, technical integration and personnel availability.
Despite those difficulties, the expansion was completed successfully and delivered on schedule.
Koolman thanked WEB employees, contractors, consultants and Wärtsilä for their contributions to the project.
Donations Mark Project Completion
As part of the project’s completion, WEB Aruba, Wärtsilä and UTLT General Contractor also made donations to two local organizations.
Aruba Sport Unie received AWG 12,500 toward the purchase of a scrubber dryer for maintenance at Centro Deportivo Betico Croes.
Fundacion Ultimo Deseo Aruba also received AWG 12,500 toward an ambulance used to transport people who are terminally ill or bedridden.
The completion of the WEB Aruba RECIP-3 expansion marks a significant increase in Aruba’s power-generation capacity while supporting the island’s longer-term transition toward a more resilient and renewable energy system.
