What is the cost of electricity in Aruba?

The energy landscape of Aruba, an autonomous member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands located off the coast of Venezuela, is outlined in this profile. Aruba’s utility rates are approximately $0.28 per kilowatt-hour (kWh)\* \(below the Caribbean regional average of $0.33/kWh\).

Where does Aruba get its electricity from?

Aruba currently gets 15.4% of its electricity from renewable sources. The island has sufficient renewable energy resource potential, with excellent technical potential for ocean, wind, and solar renewable energy generation.

How much energy does Aruba produce per capita?

Per capita this is an average of 8,544 kWh. Aruba can completely be self-sufficient with domestically produced energy. The total production of all electric energy producing facilities is 920 m kWh, also 101 percent of own requirements. The rest of the domestically produced energy is either exported into other countries or unused.

What is stored-up energy and how does it benefit Aruba?

Stored-up energy grants the flexibility necessary to sustain Aruba in its energy independence. The island has enhanced its storage abilities by utilizing BYD’s grid-scale technology, which means that there doesn’t have to be a daily breeze in order for Aruba to have ample energy to sustain itself.

Does Aruba use ice for building cooling?

Aruba's utility installed a pilot ice storage cooling system that makes ice at night when electricity costs are lower. Ice is then used the following day to cool buildings instead of traditional air conditioning. Currently, Aruba gets 15.4% of its electricity from renewable sources.

How much wind capacity does Aruba need?

Aruba's 30-MW wind project at Vader Piet currently produces 13% of Aruba's load requirements, with an additional 26.4 MW slated to come online in late 2015. WEB Aruba aims to add 3 MW to 6 MW to the biogas plant, with a goal of using 70% of household waste. Therefore, Aruba needs more wind capacity to meet its energy demands.