The Cuban regime announced this Tuesday that it now has the resources to set up 92 solar parks, as part of its new energy generation initiatives amid the ongoing crisis in the country. The Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, stated that a program for constructing these 92 solar parks is being implemented and "the resources to supply them are arriving."
"We have the fuel in Cuba for these projects and progress is being made," de la O Levy said, as cited by Cubadebate. He noted that the Cuban Electrical Company will oversee the investment process. According to de la O Levy, civil construction has already begun for the first 19 parks, following the arrival of 71 containers with necessary resources.
"There has been a significant increase in shipping costs for transporting the containers, but there have been no delays in payments so far," he emphasized. Additionally, he mentioned that nine solar parks (22 MW) are under construction, with supplies expected to arrive by the end of 2024.
Expanding Renewable Energy Projects
Work is also ongoing at the Herradura 1 wind park and 22 other parks that could generate 120 MW, thanks to a donation from China. The first phase involves installing 35 MW across seven parks, with resources set to arrive in the country before the end of 2024, de la O Levy detailed.
The Cuban regime assures that by early next year, it will have "the first 1,000 MW of generation from renewable sources," although it admits this will not "completely resolve the situation." The minister also stated that transforming a country's energy matrix requires a complete overhaul, even culturally. Since 2005, when the first wind parks were set up in Gibara, a collaboration with universities has been established to address wind energy projections in Cuba.
"Regarding the electrification of houses isolated from the national electric system using renewable energy sources, it was noted that currently, 4,256 systems have partial failures, allowing service only during the day," the medium reported. Another 1,150 systems have total failures, but the country expects to receive 5,000 batteries in July, he pointed out.
Last March, the Cuban government announced the installation of more than 90 solar parks by 2028, amid an energy crisis that has disrupted daily life in the country. At that time, it claimed that these solar parks could produce 2,000 megawatts of power by 2028. In June, it inaugurated three solar parks donated by the Chinese International Cooperation and Development Agency.
The authorities reiterated their promise to add 1,000 MW to Cuba's energy matrix through upcoming solar park investments. However, these projections face the harsh reality of an outdated and poorly managed system, while the country continues to endure long power outages lasting up to 12 hours a day.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Solar Energy Initiatives
This section addresses common questions related to Cuba's new solar energy projects and the country's energy crisis.
What is the Cuban government doing to expand solar energy?
The Cuban government is implementing a program to construct 92 solar parks, aiming to add 1,000 MW of renewable energy to the national grid.
Who is overseeing the solar park projects in Cuba?
The Cuban Electrical Company will oversee the investment and construction of the solar park projects.
When will the resources for the first phase of solar parks arrive in Cuba?
The resources for the first phase, involving 35 MW across seven parks, are expected to arrive before the end of 2024.
What challenges do Cuba's solar energy projects face?
The projects face challenges such as high shipping costs, an outdated energy system, and ongoing power outages.