From Island Constraints to a Resilient Grid: Curaçao’s Transformation

On the Caribbean island of Curaçao, the power system operates in isolation. There is no external grid to fall back on - every imbalance between supply and demand must be managed locally, in real time. As renewable energy sources such as wind and solar expand, this challenge becomes more complex, requiring a grid that, beyond being reliable, is flexible and able to respond to changing conditions.

Aqualectra, the island’s national electricity and water utility, serves more than 95,000 customers and operates over 1,293 km of electricity networks. Its infrastructure includes multiple power plants, wind parks, and critical water production facilities, making system reliability essential for everyday life and critical services.

With growing demand, evolving infrastructure, and increasing renewable penetration, Aqualectra faced the challenge of managing a system that was becoming more dynamic and complex. Electricity demand has grown significantly in recent years, driven by economic growth, tourism, and rising temperatures, while legacy distribution assets increased the risk of outages. The priority was clear: modernize to meet today’s level of variability and operational requirements: gain real-time visibility, improve response times, and strengthen control across the system.

In close collaboration with ABB and through a strong local partnership with MESC N.V., Aqualectra implemented a comprehensive modernization approach combining advanced protection, control, and monitoring technologies.

"Throughout this project, we built a strong partnership with Aqualectra based on trust, collaboration and a shared vision for Curaçao’s energy future. Working closely together allowed us to deliver solutions that not only address today’s operational challenges, but also create a solid foundation for the island’s ongoing energy transition," said Robbert Moes, Account Manager at ABB.

A key part of the modernization is ABB’s protection, control and monitoring technology. Relion® REX640 protection relays provide flexible, all-in-one protection and control, while the ZEE600 SCADA platform delivers real-time monitoring, automation, and enhanced visibility across substations and the network. Together, these technologies form a strong foundation for Aqualectra’s upgraded distribution network, enabling improved monitoring, faster fault response, and the integration of renewable energy.

This shift has given Aqualectra’s operators greater visibility and control over grid operations. Faults can be detected and cleared faster, operators gain a clearer view of system conditions, and the network is better equipped to manage variability from renewable energy. The upgraded system supports the stable integration of wind generation and enables the connection and operation of battery energy storage, through coordinated protection, control, and real-time monitoring of network conditions.

This digital intelligence is supported by robust physical infrastructure - UniGear ZS2 air-insulated and ZX2 and ZX0.2 gas-insulated switchgear - designed to ensure reliable power distribution in Curaçao’s demanding tropical and coastal conditions.

The modernization has strengthened Aqualectra’s ability to manage an increasingly complex power system. Enhanced visibility, advanced protection, and real-time monitoring provide operators with greater control over network operations, support faster response to system events, and create a strong foundation for the continued integration of renewable energy.