Cuban Government Bets on Solar Power: Jovellanos II Photovoltaic Park Begins Testing Phase

The Jovellanos II solar park in Matanzas Province is currently undergoing synchronization to be integrated into the National Electric System (SEN). This development was reported on Sunday by José Miguel Solís, a state-aligned journalist from Matanzas, in his daily update on Cuba's energy situation. In a Facebook post, he mentioned that the "Jovellanos II photovoltaic park is in the commissioning phase."

Last Friday, the provincial government clarified that final touches were being made at the renewable energy station to prepare it for operation, stating that the park was in its "final phase" and would synchronize with the SEN by March 27. The Jovellanos solar park spans 28 hectares and is expected to contribute approximately 21.87 megawatts of clean energy. It is the first of three parks scheduled to commence operations in Matanzas by 2025.

Two weeks ago, Alejandro Rodríguez Azpeitia, the provincial director of the Electric Company in Matanzas, mentioned that they were in the final stage of installation, ensuring all equipment was checked. Another solar park is also under construction in the Hoyo Colorado area of Martí municipality. This project is currently in the construction phase, with tables and panels being set up. However, there are significant delays related to perimeter lighting due to slow procurement of lamp post bases.

In recent months, several photovoltaic parks have been inaugurated amid a severe energy crisis in the country. President Miguel Díaz-Canel promised improvements with the installation of these systems, which are expected to generate over 500 MW of solar energy in the first half of the year. He also committed to constructing 55 solar parks with a capacity of 1,200 MW by the end of 2025.

Despite these initiatives, the country continues to endure frequent blackouts, and the SEN remains in a precarious state, casting doubt on the feasibility of the government's ambitious targets. The electric landscape in Cuba remains dire, with the Electric Union (UNE) announcing expected disruptions of up to 1,130 MW during peak hours on Sunday, amid a widespread deficit that has made power outages a regular occurrence across the country.

The government's shift towards renewable energy sources, particularly solar, comes at a time when the electric system is severely degraded after years of neglect, inadequate maintenance, and insufficient investment in the country's aging thermoelectric plants. This week, the Cuban government received its first batch of equipment donated by China for the installation of photovoltaic solar parks, part of a joint project aimed at adding 120 megawatts (MW) to the faltering national electric system (SEN).

However, both experts and citizens agree that while the development of solar energy is a necessary step, it is insufficient to resolve the structural crisis plaguing the system, let alone put an end to the prolonged and frequent blackouts affecting the daily lives of millions of Cubans.