In the midst of a persistent energy crisis causing widespread power outages across the country, the Cuban government has pledged to add 1,200 megawatts (MW) of photovoltaic generation capacity before the end of 2025.
The goal, announced by the Director General of Electricity at the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM), Lázaro Guerra Hernández, exclusively for the Caribbean Channel, has been presented as a strategic step towards reducing the impacts of energy deficits, but raises questions about its technical and financial viability.
According to the official, the progressive synchronization of new solar parks will help alleviate power outages, especially during peak daytime consumption hours.
However, the national electrical system itself continues to show signs of structural weakness: obsolete thermal power plants and a deteriorating distributed generation that can barely respond to peak demand.
In March, eight solar parks were synchronized that produce about 1 gigawatt-hour daily. This contribution has theoretically allowed for a reduction of approximately 170 MW in service disruptions during peak midday hours.
However, the actual impact of these additions remains limited, given that solar energy is highly sensitive to weather conditions and the backup infrastructure, such as battery storage systems, is still in the implementation phase.
According to the Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, although the first accumulation containers have arrived in the country, the batteries have not yet been installed, which prevents meeting nighttime demand and limits the impact against the ongoing blackouts.
According to Guerra Hernández's statements, the photovoltaic plan is part of a broader government strategy that includes the maintenance of thermoelectric plants, the recovery of distributed generation, and the use of floating power plants, among other measures.
Despite the commitment to renewable energies, thermal generation, which utilizes national fossil fuels such as associated gas from oil extraction, remains the foundation of national energy production.
The executive announced that more details will soon be provided regarding the strategy to recover key thermal units, such as unit number two of the Lidio Ramón Pérez thermoelectric power plant, located in Mayarí, Holguín.
A few days ago, the UNE acknowledged that, although solar parks provide partial relief during the day, they do not represent a comprehensive solution to the energy crisis facing the country.
Additionally, factors such as cloud cover have affected solar energy generation, reducing production by 29 MW less than planned in the western part of the country.
The leader himself Miguel Díaz-Canel has promised an improvement in Cuba's electricity crisis through the installation of these photovoltaic parks.
However, these promises come amidst a long history of unfulfilled commitments by the Cuban regime regarding the recovery of the electrical system.
Additionally, experts and economists question the viability of the Cuban government's approach to renewable energy. They believe that the regime uses these projects as propaganda and that, without significant changes in management and financing, it is unlikely that the current energy crisis will be resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cuban Government's Energy Plan and the Blackout Crisis
What is the Cuban government's goal for photovoltaic generation by 2025?
The Cuban government has promised to add 1,200 MW of photovoltaic generation capacity before the end of 2025. This goal is part of an effort to reduce the impact of energy shortages through the installation of new solar parks, although there are concerns about its technical and financial viability.
What challenges does the Cuban government face in achieving its solar energy goals?
The main challenges include the lack of batteries to store the generated electricity, meaning that solar energy can only be used in real-time during the day. Furthermore, the national electrical system shows structural weaknesses, such as outdated thermal power plants and a deteriorating distributed generation.
How does the Cuban government plan to improve the electrical system besides solar energy?
The Cuban government plans to combine solar expansion with the recovery of distributed generation and the maintenance of thermoelectric plants. The use of floating power stations and the enhancement of backup infrastructure are also being considered, although these measures face challenges due to a lack of resources and technology.
Is the Cuban government's strategy on renewable energies viable?
Experts and economists question the viability of the Cuban government's approach to renewable energy due to the lack of significant investments, the dependence on foreign technologies, and poor management. They believe that these projects are used as propaganda and that it is unlikely the energy crisis will be resolved without significant changes in management and funding.
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