Pioneering clean energy in the Caribbean, the Vader Piet Wind Power Project stands tall on Aruba’s east coast. As the island’s first wind farm, it consists of 10 Vestas 3MW turbines with a 90-metre rotor diameter connected to the substation in San Nicolas with a high voltage (60kV) cable. The turbines collectively generate approximately 15% of Aruba’s annual electricity needs. Commissioned in 2009, Vader Piet has been a reliable source of renewable energy, producing an impressive average of 142 GWh annually since 2010. This wind farm serves as a testament to Aruba’s commitment to sustainable development and its pursuit of cleaner energy sources for its island nation.
Benefits: Climate & Environment
The Vader Piet Wind Project is a game-changer for Aruba’s fight against climate change. By harnessing the power of natural wind resources, it reduces the island’s reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation. In fact, Vader Piet boasts an emission factor of just 1.18335 tonnes of CO2e per megawatt hour (MWh) of electricity produced. To put that in perspective, for every MWh of power generated, the project prevents the release of an estimated 1.18335 tonnes of CO2 emissions and since its commissioning in December 2009 to April 2022, Vader Piet prevented an impressive 658,955 tonnes of CO2e from entering the atmosphere.
Here’s how Vader Piet contributes to a cleaner future for Aruba:
- Reduced Reliance on Fossil Fuels: The project lessens Aruba’s dependence on imported fossil fuels for power generation, promoting energy independence and long-term climate change mitigation.
- Zero-Emission Power: Wind power is a clean energy source, meaning Vader Piet generates electricity without producing air pollution, improving local air quality.
- Sustainable Future: By embracing renewable energy, Vader Piet paves the way for a more sustainable future for Aruba and the Caribbean region.
Benefits: Social & Economic
The Vader Piet Wind Project isn’t just good for the environment; it’s beneficial to the Aruban people. The project contributes to the island’s sustainable development by:
- Creating Local Jobs: Vader Piet has brought new employment opportunities to the area, stimulating the local economy and empowering the rural population.
- Boosting Investment: The project’s success in clean energy generation encourages further investment in renewable energy sources, paving the way for a more sustainable future for Aruba.
Vader Piet is also taking its commitment to Aruba a step further by proudly sponsoring the ambitious Olympic IQ Foil Team Aruba. This innovative team, powered by the very winds that turn Vader Piet’s turbines, are vying to bring home Aruba’s first-ever Olympic medal, proving that clean energy can fuel not just a sustainable island, but also Olympic dreams!
