The Cuban regime justified this Saturday that solar photovoltaic parks could not "solve" the energy deficit in Cuba on their own, following the expectations generated among the population by the opening of several facilities of this kind.
Geider Mompié Rodríguez, director of the Electric Company of Granma, detailed to the official local press that the generation deficit during peak daytime hours could only be overcome with "the sum and synchronization of all" of all solar parks.
The executive clarified that when the 55 parks planned for this year are commissioned — and the remainder to complete the 92 by 2026 — and synchronize the 2,000 MW they would generate, the impact at midday peak will disappear.
Referring to the La Sabana park, inaugurated on March 21 in Bayamo, he stated that it is operating at up to 24 MW of power, but this is only 20% of Granma's daytime demand.
“During this time of year, Granma consumes between 100 and 120 MW at noon, but the power plant is only delivering 21.87 MW, which is practically 20 percent of the province's demand. Therefore, one power plant does not solve the problem”, he clarified.
He also stated that the regime only acquired 10% of the accumulation systems to be integrated into the transmission substations. However, these "battery banks" are not designed to provide energy for extended periods, but rather to "regulate the system's frequency" when the production from a plant is interrupted for any reason, the executive said.
On Facebook, where the note about the solar parks was shared, dozens of internet users asked when the generation from those parks would become significant in the provinces where they are located.
Some people believed that the contribution of renewable energy could not be perceived because everyone is connected to the SEN and does not generate exclusively for the territory in which they are located.
"If these were not connected to the SEN and the generation were only for the province, then we would have already seen a decrease in blackouts in our territory. So we still have to wait for more synchronization to the national grid to see improvement, while we continue at a conga rhythm and without a tumbadora, dealing with the extremely annoying blackouts," wrote a Cuban.
Others also noted that since the installation of solar energy fields, the situation has worsened: "It turns out that since 8 have been operational everything has gone from bad to worse, as if something is wrong with the information provided."
"What I don't understand is how, with the addition of 7 power plants totaling over 300 MW, the situation in Granma is worse than before, with blackouts lasting 10 to 12 hours for 2 or 3 areas with service, and at times even 14 or 15 hours in a row, all while the thermal power plants are contributing to the national electrical grid. Sometimes I think we truly are a source of pity and shame."
An internet user replied that probably all the energy would be allocated to Havana: "Because all the MW are for Havana."
Cuba could face even more severe blackouts this Saturday, April 5, according to the official report from the Electric Union (UNE), which anticipates a maximum impact of 1,635 MW during peak hours, a figure that even exceeds the real deficit reported on Friday, which had already been greater than planned.
According to the information note from this Saturday, the electrical outage on the island has been ongoing for the last 24 hours, reaching a peak of 1,727 MW at 8:10 p.m. on Friday. This figure was higher than the 1,619 MW forecasted the day before, a recurring trend that raises doubts about the reliability of the reports issued by UNE, a state-owned company known for its lack of transparency and data manipulation.
Frequently asked questions about the energy crisis in Cuba and solar parks
Why do solar parks in Cuba not solve the energy deficit?
Solar parks in Cuba do not solve the energy deficit because their current capacity is insufficient to meet the total demand of the country. Although there are plans to construct 92 solar parks by 2026, the lack of storage infrastructure and the deterioration of existing thermal plants limit the impact of these installations. Furthermore, solar energy can only be used in real-time, during the day, which does not help to meet nighttime demand.
What are the main causes of blackouts in Cuba?
The main causes of blackouts in Cuba are the prolonged deterioration of thermoelectric plants, lack of maintenance, and insufficient domestic crude oil production. The energy crisis is worsened by a lack of investment and dependence on imported fossil fuels. Electricity generation consumes more than 50% of the available fuel in the country, and the electrical system suffers from deep structural problems.
What role does China play in the development of solar energy in Cuba?
China plays a crucial role in the development of solar energy in Cuba through the donation of equipment and technology for the installation of solar parks. This support is part of a joint project aimed at adding 120 megawatts (MW) to the Cuban electrical system. In addition, Chinese companies are involved in the construction of these parks, and the Cuban government has received logistical and technical support from China to advance its transition to renewable energies.
What impact does the lack of batteries have on the solar energy project in Cuba?
The lack of batteries in the solar energy project in Cuba means that the electricity generated during the day cannot be stored for nighttime use, which limits the benefit of solar parks. Without efficient storage solutions, the project cannot relieve nighttime blackouts, when demand is higher. This critical shortcoming reduces the effectiveness of investments in solar energy and prolongs the country's dependence on fossil fuels.
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