Harnessing the power of wind
Our climate project on Aruba in the Caribbean
Wind energy on Aruba, the Caribbean
The power supply on the Caribbean island of Aruba is mainly dependent on diesel and other fossil fuels. This has two major disadvantages: firstly, these resources must be imported from abroad, and secondly, they cause significant amounts of greenhouse gas emissions. Our climate project aims to combat these drawbacks, by using the island’s natural energy resource: wind.
A wind farm with 10 turbines and a total capacity of 30 MW was built in Vader Piet on the east coast of the island. Every year, 126.1 GW hours are generated, constituting up to 15 percent of Aruba's total power generation. The project saves more than 152,000 tonnes of CO2 per year, which would otherwise be emitted when using fossil fuels. The project also reinforces the independent energy supply in Aruba, generating additional benefits.
Finally, as the first wind park in Aruba, Vader Piet is seen as an important pioneer project for renewable energies in the wider region.
Contribution to the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs)
Affordable and Clean Energy
Reduced import of fossil fuels, strengthening Aruba's autonomy in terms of electricity.
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Creating local employment opportunities for construction, operation and maintenance of the power plant.
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Modernization and support of local infrastructure, transfer of modern technology and knowledge related to wind energy generation.
Responsible Consumption and Production
Wind energy does not cause pollutant emissions such as sulphur dioxide or nitrogen dioxide. Local air quality has improved significantly.
Climate Action
Reducing carbon emissions by displacing fossil fuel-based energy generation.
Life on Land
Wind power avoids emissions such as sulfur dioxide or nitrogene dioxide, so the air quality is much better than it used to be.
Partnerships for the Goals
Our long-term support facilitates projects for sustainable development in the global South.
How does wind energy help fight global warming?
Since wind energy is created without burning fossil fuels, it is considered emission-free. The growth of renewable energy production is essential to limiting global warming and securing energy supplies for the future.
The amount of emissions saved by a wind power project is calculated using the baseline method: how much CO2 would be released by generating the same amount of energy using standard energy production methods for the region?