The Cuban government assured this Wednesday that it will soon rank among the top three countries in the world in making faster progress towards the transition to clean energy, amid the deep energy crisis currently facing the nation.
During his appearance on the official television program Mesa Redonda, Ramsés Monte Calzadilla, Director of Policy and Strategy at the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM), stated that Cuba is making significant progress in the field of renewable energy.
According to the official, although China is leading this energy transition on a global scale, Cuba is making progress that could proportionally place it among the world leaders in the coming years, a statement aimed at calming the public's unrest, which is currently facing one of the most severe energy crises in its history, often triggering massive protests in the streets.
"At the scale per unit, what our country is doing this year, the leap we will take in renewable energy will probably place us among the top three countries in the world in advancing so rapidly towards the energy transition," stated the official, in a claim that seems more akin to fiction than to current Cuban reality.
Monte emphasized that Cuba is seeking to transform its energy matrix by incorporating photovoltaic solar panels and wind farms, as well as storage systems through batteries that allow for the storage of energy generated during the day to be used during nighttime or peak demand hours.
The executive acknowledged that Cuba's dependence on imported fuel is extremely high, around 50 percent of the oil it uses, which makes it urgent to transition to more efficient technologies.
He mentioned that electric vehicles could multiply the current efficiency of combustion vehicles by four to five times, which would allow for significant savings in fuel consumption.
"For example, a conventional vehicle can achieve 10 kilometers per liter, while an electric vehicle with the same amount of energy could reach 40 to 50 kilometers per liter equivalent," he noted.
He also mentioned specific experiences that the country has implemented, such as the electric vehicles used by the company Aguas de La Habana since 2018, which maintain a high technical availability rate of over 90%.
It also highlighted the introduction of industrial heat pumps to replace conventional boilers, capable of multiplying energy efficiency and drastically reducing fuel consumption for industrial and tourism processes.
However, despite these optimistic statements from the Cuban government, the country's energy reality is dramatic.
Cuba has been facing a structural crisis in its electrical system for years, with generating plants experiencing constant breakdowns due to lack of maintenance and investment, resulting in prolonged blackouts in virtually all provinces of the country.
The official insisted that the country needs to foster an energy culture starting from universities, businesses, and organizations such as the National Office for Rational Energy Use (Onure), in order to take advantage of these technological changes and achieve an effective transition to a sustainable energy model.
"The exploitation of these technologies is much more cost-effective than continuing to rely on fossil fuels, especially for a country like Cuba, which imports more than half of the fuel it needs and is currently unable to do so regularly, leading to ongoing impacts on the economy and the population," Monte acknowledged.
Despite the enthusiasm expressed by the authorities, many Cubans continue to face a reality characterized by long interruptions in electrical service, a decline in quality of life, and difficulties in accessing even basic services.
While the government "promises to turn the island into a global leader in renewable energy," Cubans continue to suffer one of the worst energy crises in their history, with four massive blackouts in recent months.
Cuba is slowly advancing towards renewable energy, but dependence on imported fuel remains critical
Although the Cuban government insists that it will achieve an accelerated energy transition, the reality shows that the island still depends on more than 95% fossil fuels to produce energy, as recognized by officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mines during the state-run television program Mesa Redonda.
Rosell Guerra Campaña, director of Renewable Energy at MINEM, admitted that achieving energy sovereignty is currently an almost impossible task due to the high costs and the country's significant dependence on imported fuel.
In this context, Cuba has launched a major program with the planned installation of 92 photovoltaic parks, as well as projects with Chinese donations to add another 120 MW and the completion of a wind farm in Herradura.
Ovel Concepción Díaz, director of generation from renewable sources, explained that the installation of these solar parks requires significant logistical and technical effort which has posed a substantial challenge, as each installation demands large spaces, complex soil studies, and specialized electrical connections.
Although the authorities emphasize that several solar parks have already been integrated into the system and promise positive results in fuel savings, daily reality continues to be characterized by frequent power outages and serious generation issues.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Commitment to Leading in Clean Energy
What does the Cuban government say about its capacity to lead in clean energy?
The Cuban government asserts that it will soon rank among the top three countries in the world to advance more quickly towards the use of clean energy. This statement aims to soothe the public's discontent amid an energy crisis, although many believe it is closer to fiction than to the current reality of Cuba.
What are the Cuban government's plans to change its energy matrix?
Cuba plans to incorporate photovoltaic solar panels, wind parks, and battery storage systems to transform its energy matrix. The goal is to reduce the high dependence on imported fuel and move towards more efficient technologies.
What is the current situation of the electrical system in Cuba?
Cuba is facing a structural crisis in its electrical system, with constant breakdowns in generating plants due to a lack of maintenance and investment. This has led to prolonged blackouts in practically all provinces of the country, severely affecting the quality of life for the population.
What obstacles does Cuba face in achieving an effective energy transition?
Cuba faces significant obstacles, such as a lack of investment, fuel shortages, and outdated infrastructure. The dependence on foreign technologies and current economic challenges complicate the feasibility of renewable energy projects. Moreover, poor management and a lack of financial resources are major barriers.
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