Aruba receives €26 million from the Netherlands for battery park to reduce power outage impact

ORANJESTAD — The Dutch government has announced €26 million in funding for a new battery storage facility in Aruba, with a capacity of 70 megawatt-hours (MWh). The project aims to strengthen the electricity grid and allow parts of the island to continue receiving power for approximately two hours during an electricity supply interruption.

The investment forms part of a nearly €50 million Dutch program to improve electricity infrastructure in Aruba and Curaçao. Curaçao will receive €23 million to expand its battery storage capacity to 95 MWh and upgrade its electricity grid.

Aruba's funding comes through the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate's SDE++ program.

During a visit to Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao, Dutch Minister Herbert also discussed opportunities to diversify the islands' economies and reduce their dependence on tourism.

The Dutch government plans to support these efforts through the Caribbean Economic Growth Platform, aimed at improving access to financing and strengthening economic cooperation among the islands.