Related videos:
The Cuban government announced that it plans to incorporate one thousand megawatts (MW) of solar generation into the National Electric System (SEN) in 2025, as part of an ambitious plan that includes the construction of around fifty photovoltaic parks distributed throughout the country.
However, this measure comes with a significant limitation: the lack of batteries to store the generated electricity, which means that solar energy can only be used in real-time, during the day, without the possibility of meeting nighttime demand, when consumption is at its highest.
In an interview published by the official newspaper Granma, the Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, admitted that, although "the first storage containers" have already arrived in the country, the necessary batteries for storage have not yet been installed.
According to his explanation, the systems were contracted in stages, leaving the installation of the batteries for last, as they "should not remain discharged for a certain period" to avoid deterioration.
He stated that it is a simple process, where the batteries "are like drawers that need to be fitted together," but he did not provide clear dates for its implementation or logistical details regarding its integration into the system.
This critical shortcoming affects the benefits of the solar energy project: the electricity generated during the day will be wasted if not consumed in real-time, and it will not help alleviate the blackouts that affect millions of Cubans during nighttime.
The minister himself acknowledged that even with the projected 1,000 MW, blackouts will not disappear: “Will there be a 500 MW deficit if we install 1,000 MW of solar? No, because out of the 1,500 MW deficit, there were days when 1,000 MW were due to fuel,” he pointed out.
The energy crisis currently affecting Cuba has deep roots, as acknowledged by the head of the sector.
He mentioned the lack of maintenance in the aging thermoelectric plants, many of which have been in operation for over 40 years, resulting in constant breakdowns and a drastic decline in generation capacity.
This is compounded by the collapse of national oil production, the lack of investment to drill new wells or maintain existing ones, and the absence of modern infrastructure to transport and refine crude oil.
The minister himself acknowledged that even if all the thermoelectric plants were operational, the national crude oil would not be sufficient to fuel them.
The data provided by the government is revealing: by the end of 2024, national crude oil production decreased by 138,028 tons due to a lack of material resources and funding.
Currently, about 40,000 barrels are produced daily, a quantity that barely covers one third of the national consumption.
In addition, Cuban wells only manage to extract 6% of the crude oil present underground, which is why the authorities are studying ways to raise this rate to 10% or 11%, which would allow for a doubling of production.
Areas with oil potential have been identified in Boca de Jaruco, between Fraile and Jibacoa; in Havana del Este and Alamar; and south of the deposits of Puerto Escondido and Canasí.
By 2025, an exploratory campaign is planned with the goal of incorporating between three and five new wells. Additionally, there is a strong emphasis on the need to stimulate exploration to discover higher quality crude oil and to explore deposits in coastal areas.
The installation of solar parks is presented as an urgent solution to reduce the use of imported fossil fuels in a country where more than 50% of the available fuel is used exclusively for electricity generation.
However, the energy plan relies on the importation of panels, electronic components, coupling systems, and now also batteries, the lack of which limits the sustainability of the project.
Meanwhile, power outages continue to be part of the daily life of most Cubans, who face prolonged cuts without effective short-term solutions.
The absence of a coherent energy policy, with real and sustained investments in maintenance, technology, and infrastructure, keeps the country in a state of extreme vulnerability.
Although the push towards renewable sources represents a step in the right direction, the lack of batteries turns the project into an incomplete promise.
Without the capacity to store generated electricity, the country will continue to depend on the sun... but only while it shines.
The Cuban government assured this Wednesday that it will soon rank among the top three countries in the world in making the fastest progress towards the use of 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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Solar Energy in Cuba and the Challenges of the Electric System
What does the Cuban government plan regarding solar energy?
The Cuban government has announced the addition of one thousand megawatts (MW) of solar generation to the National Electric System (SEN) by 2025, through the construction of around fifty photovoltaic parks in the country. However, the project currently lacks batteries to store the generated electricity, which limits its utility to daylight hours.
Why is the lack of batteries a problem for the solar project in Cuba?
The absence of batteries in the Cuban solar project means that the energy generated can only be used in real time during the day. This prevents solar electricity from contributing to satisfy nighttime demand, when consumption is higher and outages are more frequent, significantly limiting the positive impact of the project on the country's energy crisis.
How does the current energy crisis in Cuba affect citizens?
The energy crisis in Cuba results in daily blackouts that impact the daily lives of millions of people. These power cuts interrupt production, healthcare services, and education, reflecting the structural deterioration of the electrical system due to years of mismanagement and lack of investment.
What other challenges does the Cuban electrical system face?
The Cuban electrical system faces challenges such as the lack of maintenance in thermal power plants, the decline in oil production, the absence of modern technology, and outdated infrastructure. These structural problems contribute to the collapse of the National Electric System and the persistence of prolonged blackouts.
Filed under:
