Written by: Islam El-Saqqa
Finnish company Wärtsilä has signed a strategic agreement with the Water and Energy Utility Company in Aruba (WEB Aruba) to install an advanced Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with a capacity of 35 MW and 70 MWh. This project is the largest of its kind in the Caribbean region, both in terms of power and storage capacity, representing a pivotal step toward strengthening the island's energy infrastructure.
Enhancing grid efficiency and integrating renewable energy
The project's scope of work includes engineering, procurement, and construction services, alongside providing the island with Wärtsilä's energy management system, as well as providing long-term maintenance services. It is expected that this system will play a vital role in connecting and coordinating existing power generation sources on the island, which include solar and wind power plants, in addition to conventional power plants.
The technology used relies on a smart platform capable of predicting grid needs and controlling energy distribution, which contributes to increasing operational efficiency and reducing production costs, as well as enhancing the reliability of electricity supplies for the island's residents. This cooperation comes within the framework of Wärtsilä's efforts to support the transition to relying on renewable energy sources through its "Energy as a Service" business model, which ensures continuous software updates and integrated technical support.
Project timeline and future expansion
The company confirmed that the supply order was recorded in the third quarter of 2026, and the final delivery of the project is scheduled for the second quarter of 2028. This agreement strengthens the existing partnership between Wärtsilä and WEB Aruba, as the Finnish company has previously provided the island with engines and equipment for power plants with a total capacity reaching 230 MW.
It is worth noting that Wärtsilä recently launched a joint venture under the name "Valo" in cooperation with a German engineering company. This new entity currently includes all of the company's global storage activities, with a project portfolio exceeding 20 GWh globally, confirming the growing global trend toward storage technologies as a fundamental solution for the stability of modern electrical grids.
