A representative from a Chinese company specializing in solar technology distribution in Cuba, and attending the Havana International Fair, declared on Monday that solar energy might be the long-awaited answer for the nation, which has been grappling with an unprecedented energy crisis in recent years.
Qiaoming Huang, the president of Hangzhou Duojia Technology Co. Ltd, conveyed to Reuters, “We believe that solar panels are the ultimate solution in a country where there's ample sunlight to address the energy matrix changes.” He revealed that ten containers loaded with solar panels and lithium batteries from China are en route to the island. His company provides solar technology for small-scale commercial projects up to 20 KW in Cuba.
Renewable Energy Ambitions
Back in April, Havana reached an agreement with China to promote solar energy usage within its power grid. However, both governments have remained tight-lipped about the project's financing details. Despite this, the Cuban regime later announced plans to generate 2,000 megawatts (MW) of solar power by 2028. The first half, totaling 1,000 MW, is slated to commence operations by the summer of 2025, with the remainder expected to be online by 2028.
Progress and Challenges in Cuba's Energy Sector
In September, the Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, declared the completion of two significant photovoltaic solar parks, each with a capacity of 21 megawatts (MW). This is part of the government’s strategy to achieve "energy sovereignty." According to Reuters, less than 5% of Cuba's energy matrix currently comes from alternative sources, with a goal to reach 24% by 2030.
Cuba is in dire need of swiftly generating the electricity it desperately requires from renewable energy sources. However, while waiting for this "miracle," the output from outdated oil-powered plants has significantly declined. The collapse of the National Electric System (SEN) in October left about 10 million people without power, marking the latest chapter of hardship for a population that has endured fuel shortages for years.
Amidst severe power outages, Alfredo López Valdés, the director of the Unión Eléctrica de Cuba, has urged island residents to consider purchasing solar panels as a way to become independent from the SEN.