Amid a severe energy crisis that is severely impacting the country, Minister of Energy and Mines Vicente de la O Levy announced that two large photovoltaic solar parks, each with a capacity of 21 megawatts (MW), will be completed by September 2024.
Renewable Energy Efforts
During the III International Fair of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, the minister asserted that these facilities are part of an ambitious 2,000 MW project that, according to the regime, aims to advance towards "energy sovereignty," as reported by the newspaper Granma. The activation of these two solar parks corresponds to the second phase of the project. In the first phase, he assured that "the parts and pieces of the panels are being received according to the established plan," though he did not mention a specific delivery date.
Simultaneously, the Energy and Mines Minister optimistically announced that by the end of this year, "an estimated 400 MW of power from these projects" will be installed, while the public continues to suffer from power outages and a declining quality of life.
Additionally, he explained that progress is being made in constructing two wind farms with a combined capacity of 101 MW, and that 13 small hydroelectric plants are also in preparation.
However, despite these triumphant announcements, power outages continue to exceed 1,000 MW, highlighting the severe deterioration of infrastructure dependent on fossil fuels. De la O Levy admitted that the current situation with electricity generation is "very complicated," a belated recognition after years of inaction and mismanagement of energy resources.
Contradictorily, the minister emphasized the importance of renewable energy in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Recently, O Levy promised on the Mesa Redonda program that by 2025, the government would generate at least one minute of electricity without relying on imported fuel.
Meanwhile, as the "miracle" remains elusive, the energy situation in Cuba continues to worsen. Power outages are increasing, exacerbated by the shutdown of Renté unit 6 early Thursday morning, bringing the total number of offline thermoelectric units on the island to seven.
Cuba's Energy Crisis and Renewable Energy Projects
Here are some frequently asked questions about Cuba's ongoing energy crisis and its renewable energy initiatives.
What are the capacities of the new solar parks in Cuba?
The new solar parks each have a capacity of 21 megawatts (MW).
What is the goal of Cuba's 2,000 MW renewable energy project?
The 2,000 MW project aims to achieve "energy sovereignty" for Cuba.
How many wind farms and hydroelectric plants are being constructed in Cuba?
Cuba is constructing two wind farms with a combined capacity of 101 MW and preparing 13 small hydroelectric plants.
Why is the energy situation in Cuba worsening despite renewable energy projects?
The energy situation is worsening due to the severe deterioration of infrastructure dependent on fossil fuels and ongoing power outages.