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In the context of the most severe energy crisis that Cuba has faced in recent decades, the announcement of the construction of four photovoltaic parks in Santiago de Cuba, each with a capacity of 21.8 megawatts, emerges as a promising initiative.
However, the timeline for these projects to start yielding results is, at the very least, disconcerting: the year 2050.
The Electric Company of Santiago de Cuba announced that the first photovoltaic park, located in Las Guásimas, in the municipality of Contramaestre, will begin operations in February 2025, reported TV Santiago.
From that point on, the remaining projects will be developed gradually, in an effort that is expected to culminate in approximately 27 years.
With a population enduring prolonged blackouts, damage to appliances due to constant power outages, and an outdated energy generation system reliant on imported fossil fuels, it is incomprehensible that the remedy for this crisis is not immediate.
However, Javier Calero, the general director of the Electric Company in Santiago, claimed that the project will reduce the reliance on imported fuels and the use of generators, which currently operate between seven and eight hours a day.
In this context, the identification of new flat areas with high solar exposure in locations like San Luis and other districts also stood out, where the quality of the land is being assessed to ensure its viability.
He also emphasized that several specialized companies, such as the National Applied Research, Engineering, and Electricity Project and Project 15, are involved in this significant investment.
Cuba's energy crisis has reached a critical point: daily blackouts lasting more than 12 hours are disrupting daily life for the people of Santiago and hindering economic activities.
Although the government has approved strategies to promote the use of renewable energy, the reality is that concrete actions with an immediate impact are noticeably lacking.
The installation of one thousand megawatts across the entire national territory, announced as part of the push for renewable energy, remains insufficient to meet demand.
The Cuban regime announced this Tuesday an ambitious plan, which includes the striking goal of generating nearly 600 MW of photovoltaic solar energy during the first half of 2025.
The announcement was made during a session of the Commission on Industry, Construction, and Energy of the National Assembly of People's Power (ANPP), led by the Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy.
In his speech, the minister emphasized that the program includes the monthly synchronization of five solar parks, each with an average capacity of 21 MW, ensuring a significant contribution of clean energy.
Additionally, it was detailed that the plan includes the construction of 1,000 MW of financed solar photovoltaic parks, aiming for their completion by next year. By the summer of 2024, a significant portion of this energy is expected to improve the current energy situation, at least during daytime hours.
The program also includes another group of one thousand MW that will be implemented over a seven-year period, starting with the construction of four solar parks guaranteed for next year. In parallel, it was reported that 771 pumping systems with photovoltaic panels are already installed, 169 are in progress, and the installation of an additional 965 is expected by 2025.
To stabilize the workforce in the sector, a salary increase was approved, reaching 17,000 pesos per month, along with efforts to improve fuel transportation logistics and the recovery of the merchant fleet.
The minister also urged the protection of these investments against potential vandalism, emphasizing the need to involve local communities by establishing brigades in the districts and municipalities where the solar parks will be located.
The recovery of the system will be gradual, but it is projected that starting in June 2024, there will be no disruptions to the electric service during the day, thanks to the introduction of new generation units.
Frequently asked questions about the energy crisis and solar energy projects in Cuba
When is it expected that the solar parks in Santiago de Cuba will start generating energy?
The first solar park in Las Guásimas, Santiago de Cuba, is expected to begin operations in February 2025, while the other projects will be gradually developed until 2050. The delay in the full implementation of these parks has faced criticism due to the current energy crisis in Cuba.
Why is the transition to renewable energy important in Cuba?
The transition to renewable energies is crucial for reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and mitigating the prolonged blackouts that affect the population. However, progress in this transition has been slow and faces multiple challenges, including an outdated and poorly managed system.
What impact does the energy crisis have on the daily lives of Cubans?
The energy crisis in Cuba is causing daily blackouts of over 12 hours, severely impacting the quality of life and economic activity. The national electrical system is in crisis due to a lack of investment and maintenance, making the search for sustainable solutions imperative.
What role does China play in the development of renewable energy in Cuba?
China has donated and invested in the installation of photovoltaic parks in Cuba, providing technology and resources for solar projects. However, despite these contributions, structural and management challenges continue to limit the positive impact of these investments on the Cuban energy crisis.
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