The Corúa 5 photovoltaic solar park, located in the province of Holguín, was inaugurated this Saturday during a political propaganda event where authorities praised the work of employees from the Electric Company of that region and stated that the new station would save 26 tons of fossil fuels.
The park in the municipality of Mayarí, Holguín, has been synchronized with the National Electric System (SEN) with a capacity of 21.8 MW, as confirmed by the official press.
Corúa 5 has 1,638 tables and 42,588 solar panels using Chinese technology and is the first of five of its kind to be built this year in the province of Holguín.
As has happened in previous park inaugurations in other territories, the opening day featured a political event presided over by Ramiro ValdésMenéndez, the Cuban Vice Prime Minister, and the Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente La O Levy.
With a triumphant tone, officials highlighted that they had to "overcome a number of adversities" such as torrential rains for an extended period, which delayed the installation of the panels.
In recent months, the inauguration of several photovoltaic parks has emerged amidst a severe energy crisis in the country.
The leader Miguel Díaz-Canel promised an improvement with the installation of these systems that will generate more than 500 MW of solar energy in the first half of this year.
In addition, it was pledged that by the end of 2025, 55 solar parks will be built with a capacity of 1,200 MW.
Despite the triumphant rhetoric aimed at instilling hope in a population weary of broken promises and chronic blackouts that impact daily life, agricultural and industrial production, and even basic services, no improvement in electricity generation is evident in Cuba.
Currently, nine thermal power units are out of service, three due to breakdowns and six for maintenance, including key plants such as Mariel, Santa Cruz del Norte, Felton, Cienfuegos, and Renté.
This situation critically compromises the country's base power generation. However, amid the collapse of the thermoelectric system, the regime continues to intensify its propaganda about solar energy.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Corúa 5 Solar Park and the Energy Situation in Cuba
What is the Corúa 5 photovoltaic solar park in Holguín?
The Corúa 5 photovoltaic solar park is a new facility located in the province of Holguín, Cuba, that has recently been inaugurated. It has a generation capacity of 21.8 MW and is synchronized with the National Electric System (SEN). It is part of a series of solar parks that the government plans to build this year in an effort to alleviate the energy crisis affecting the country.
How will the Corúa 5 solar park contribute to the energy crisis in Cuba?
The Corúa 5 solar park will save 26 tons of fossil fuels, according to Cuban authorities, which is expected to help reduce the country's dependence on non-renewable energy sources. However, although these solar parks represent progress, they are not expected to fully resolve the energy crisis, as the electricity deficit remains significant due to deeper structural problems within the national electrical system.
What are the challenges Cuba faces in improving its energy system?
Cuba faces several challenges to improve its energy system, including the obsolescence of its thermoelectric plants, lack of maintenance, and fuel shortages. Additionally, the electrical infrastructure is outdated and needs modernization, which hinders the effective implementation of new renewable energy projects such as solar parks.
What are the expectations of the Cuban government for solar parks by 2025?
The Cuban government has set ambitious expectations for solar parks, promising to generate 1,200 MW of solar energy before the end of 2025. However, there is skepticism about whether these promises can be fulfilled, given the history of unmet commitments and the ongoing blackouts affecting the country.
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