The Caribbean island of Curaҫao is to install a 25 MW/25 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) supplied by Wärtsilä. The system will enable the expansion of renewable energy capacity and the reduction of carbon emissions, representing an important step towards a sustainable energy future for the island. The order was placed by Aqualectra, Curacao’s government–owned utilities company.
The BESS, with its GEMS digital energy platform is intended to provide grid stability and reliability, reduce unserved energy and help mitigate the risk of brownouts and blackouts. In addition, the system will allow Aqualectra to expand its renewables ambitions, and allow more renewable generation in its system, and help smooth the intermittency of renewables. The order follows a detailed modelling of the power system to determine the best way forward.
The Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled for delivery in Q1/2025, with the project expected to be fully operational by the end of Q2/2025.
Aqualectra is an existing Wärtsilä customer. The company currently operates three Wärtsilä engine power plants, together adding up to a total of 16 generating sets.
