Over the weekend, the "La Sabana" solar park in Bayamo, Granma province, was linked to Cuba's National Electric System (SEN), as reported by the regime's state-controlled media. As the third of 92 planned solar parks meant to revitalize the faltering SEN, it will contribute 21.8 megawatts of power. The inauguration took place last Friday, attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ramiro Valdés Menéndez; Minister of Energy and Mines Vicente La O Levy; Granma's Party First Secretary Yudelkis Ortiz Barceló; and Governor Yanetsy Terry Gutiérrez, in a politically charged event celebrating what the regime hailed as a "labor achievement" in establishing the park.
China's technical team assisted in the park's construction, which involved 600 workers and 24 companies across various phases. A second solar park, mirroring Bayamo's, is under construction in Niquero, with plans for additional sites in Manzanillo and Río Cauto. Three solar parks have already been established in Cuba, thanks to donations from the China International Development Cooperation Agency.
While authorities have pledged to add 1,000 megawatts to Cuba's energy matrix through further solar investments, these ambitions clash with the stark reality of an outdated and mismanaged system. The first of these parks, "Escuela de Enfermería," located in Havana's Cotorro municipality, saw participation from leader Miguel Díaz-Canel and Commander Ramiro Valdés at its opening.
Amidst Cuba's most severe energy crisis, the regime vowed to produce nearly 600 megawatts of solar power by mid-2025. On March 1, the second solar park, "Alcade Mayor" in Cienfuegos, with a capacity of 21 megawatts, was launched as part of a strategy to boost renewable energy and decrease fossil fuel dependence. Additionally, the Ciego Norte Solar Park in Ciego de Ávila, with a generation capacity of 21.87 megawatts, is expected to be synchronized this month as it nears completion.
The Cuban government, with China's support, is striving to alleviate the energy crisis by promoting renewable energy. Last November, during the Havana International Fair, Hangzhou Duojia Technology Co. Ltd reaffirmed its commitment to the island's energy transition, declaring solar panels to be the "ultimate solution" for Cuba's electrical crisis.
Despite these efforts, the SEN crisis continues to severely impact the Cuban populace, with prolonged blackouts highlighting the structural decline of the electrical industry, a direct consequence of years of governmental mismanagement. Peak demand forecasts show a capacity of just 1,970 megawatts against an estimated demand of 3,050 megawatts, resulting in a deficit of 1,080 megawatts and anticipated disruptions of 1,150 megawatts.
Numerous thermal power units remain offline. The Unit 2 of the Felton Thermoelectric Plant and Unit 3 of the Santa Cruz Thermoelectric Plant are currently down, while five other units are undergoing maintenance at critical plants like Mariel, Cienfuegos, Santa Cruz, and Renté.
FAQs on Cuba's Solar Energy Expansion
What is the capacity of the new "La Sabana" solar park?
The "La Sabana" solar park in Bayamo contributes 21.8 megawatts to the National Electric System.
How many solar parks has Cuba established with China's support?
Cuba has established three solar parks with donations from the China International Development Cooperation Agency.
What are the projected energy contributions from future solar parks?
Cuban authorities have promised to add 1,000 megawatts to the energy matrix through future solar park investments.
What challenges does Cuba's energy sector face despite solar investments?
Despite solar investments, the energy sector struggles with an outdated infrastructure and mismanagement, resulting in severe power shortages and extended blackouts.