The Bent Page

Several years ago, a series of ten large windmills were set up in Aruba. Each one has the capability to generate about 3 megawatts. Given the steady tradewinds that blow in from the east, these turbines run near full power for about 9 months of the year. Here’s a view of several taken from a helicopter.

They stand about 300′ above the ground, facing east into the breeze. You can see the rugged shore at the edge of the frame. Here’s a look at a single unit.

In earlier posts, I showed how the bases were constructed. They’re rather stout, and they better be, because sometimes that easterly blows in excess of forty knots, generating a tremendous amount of pressure against the tower. There is talk of more turbines coming to the island. In the mean time, large reciprocating power plants (think big diesel engines) have been installed at the WEB plant in Balashi. Either way, Aruba enjoys one of the most reliable power grids in the Caribbean.

Bon dia.