Page 9 - CARILEC CE Journal CEMAY2021

ROATAN:

the Caribbean island embracing

development and renewables

By Wärtsilä Energy

Prosperity follows electricity, and one small island is taking steps to
develop its economy and its power supply system by embracing the latest
renewable energy storage solutions.

oatan, a small island off the coast of Honduras The island’s power supply was improved
in Central America, is extraordinarily beautiful, considerably in 2017, after RECO contracted
Rwith sandy beaches stretching for miles and Wärtsilä to install four 7MW Wärtsilä 34SG-LPG
coral reefs offshore – the quintessential tropical engines that run on propane. The introduction of
paradise. Tourists come in the thousands to soak up these power generation assets gave the island the
the sun and swim in the clear waters around Roatan. confidence and ability to improve and add to the
However, the sun-kissed beaches and cruise ships outdated island infrastructure, from streetlights to
are only one side of the story. Until relatively recently, roads. Flexible power generation solutions, such
the island struggled to keep pace with its increasing as these 34SG-LPG engines, provide the required
popularity, due to its unreliable electricity supply. A operational flexibility (including fast starting and
change of ownership at Roatan Electric Company loading capabilities) and speed up the transition
(RECO), the island’s private electricity utility, brought towards a future powered by 100% renewable
a vision of a better future. energy sources.

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