This Friday, the “Mal Tiempo” solar photovoltaic park was officially inaugurated in the municipality of Cruces, Cienfuegos. The name could not be more symbolic: it arrives amidst one of the worst moments for the Cuban electrical system, with blackouts continuing to condemn millions of families to daily darkness.
The ceremony was attended by the commander of the Revolution Ramiro Valdés Menéndez, Vice Prime Minister of Cuba, and was enthusiastically announced by the Ministry of Energy and Mines.
The new solar plant will cover 25 hectares and promises to contribute 21.87 megawatts to the National Electrical System (SEN), which, according to the official statement, represents another "firm step" towards renewable sources.
But beyond the ribbon-cutting ceremony, many Cubans are wondering: How much real relief will this park bring? Isn't it ironic that it's called "Mal Tiempo" when the people have been suffering from electric outages for years?
A drop of sunlight in a sea of blackouts?
The Mal Tiempo park is the third to be inaugurated in the province of Cienfuegos and is part of the ambitious government plan to install over 90 solar plants before 2030. In 2025 alone, similar openings have been announced in Pinar del Río, Villa Clara, Granma, Holguín, Ciego de Ávila, and Santiago de Cuba.
However, most of these installations lack storage systems. That is, they only generate energy while the sun is shining. When night falls, precisely when Cuban households need it most, there are no batteries to sustain production.
On the other hand, the Cuban government has set ambitious goals for the expansion of solar energy, and one of the most noteworthy is to generate 1,200 MW of solar energy by the end of 2025. This would involve the construction of 55 solar parks across the country.
However, achieving these goals is uncertain due to the structural limitations, lack of investment, and poor management of the national electrical system.
Furthermore, the national electricity system remains in ruins: collapsed thermoelectric plants, endless maintenance, and a distribution network in critical condition. In this context, the new plants are only partial solutions to a structural crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions about Solar Parks and the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the capacity of the Mal Tiempo solar park and what is the expected impact?
The Mal Tiempo solar park has a capacity of 21.87 megawatts and is expected to contribute to the National Electric System. However, the lack of storage systems limits its effectiveness to sunlight hours, which means it cannot alleviate the nighttime blackouts affecting the Cuban population.
How does the lack of storage affect solar energy in Cuba?
The absence of storage batteries means that solar energy in Cuba can only be used during the day, when the plants are generating electricity. This severely limits the positive impact of solar parks on reducing blackouts, particularly during the evening hours of high demand.
What challenges does the Cuban government face in achieving its solar energy goals?
The Cuban government faces multiple challenges in achieving its solar energy goals, including structural limitations, lack of investment, and poor management of the national electric system. Furthermore, the outdated electrical infrastructure and lack of financial resources further complicate the situation.
What is the Cuban government's plan to expand solar energy?
The Cuban government has pledged to generate 1,200 MW of solar energy before the end of 2025 by constructing 55 solar parks. However, the effectiveness of this plan is questionable due to the aforementioned difficulties, such as the lack of storage and the current crisis of the electrical system.
What role does China play in the development of solar energy in Cuba?
China has been a key player in the development of solar energy in Cuba, providing technology and resources for the installation of solar parks. Despite this collaboration, structural and management issues limit the positive impact of these investments on the country's energy crisis.
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