The installation of solar energy storage batteries began this Saturday at four electrical substations in Cuba.
The BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) will also be referred to as "concentrating units" and will be installed at the electrical substations of Cueto 220, Bayamo 220, Cotorro 220, and Habana 220, official journalist José Miguel Solís reported on Facebook, where he shared images of the installation.
Each of these batteries can store 50 MW for later use, especially from renewable generation such as solar, the journalist specified.
"In solar projects, BESS store the excess energy produced during the day to supply it when generation is low (for example, at night) or when demand is high. This allows for a more stable and continuous energy supply while also optimizing the use of solar energy," he said
Solís stated that the system includes not only the batteries but also inverters, management systems, and controls that coordinate charging and discharging to ensure efficiency and safety.
"BESS facilitate the integration of renewable energies into the electrical grid by mitigating the intermittency associated with solar and wind sources, enhancing the stability and resilience of the energy supply," he concluded.
In this way, the Cuban regime begins to address one of the major criticisms that had been made against its investment in solar energy, the lack of batteries.
In light of the severe energy crisis suffocating the island, the Cuban government has decided to focus on the rapid installation of solar parks as its main pathway to salvation.
"The only way to resolve the energy crisis is to continue installing renewable energy sources," assured last month the Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy.
In Cuba, the situation of the electrical system has severely deteriorated due to the lack of maintenance of thermal power plants, a shortage of financing, and a decline in generation using both domestic crude and imported fuels.
In this context, renewable sources—particularly solar parks—emerge as the most viable and rapid option. According to the minister himself, modernizing a thermoelectric plant takes at least two years, whereas a solar park can be installed in just three months.
“Neither money nor time justify insisting on the old,” he stated, in a position that was echoed from the official account of the Presidency of Cuba on social media X: “Many are asking why we don't buy more oil or repair the old thermoelectric plants… the answer is clear.”
Despite official enthusiasm, the obstacles remain numerous. The initial investment needed to expand the renewable energy matrix is substantial, and Cuba does not have access to smooth credit lines or reliable suppliers, due to sanctions and its own financial instability. The country also faces technological and logistical limitations in efficiently integrating solar energy into the national grid, which is outdated and vulnerable.
Blackouts this Saturday
To dampen the enthusiasm of those who thought that the return of the Guiteras thermoelectric plant would provide some relief from the blackouts, the Ministry of Energy and Mines announced that this Saturday the Turkish barge anchored in the port of Havana will be disconnected.
“Today, the disconnection of the 240 MW barge located in Havana will take place, for commercial reasons, explained the director of electricity at the Ministry of Energy and Mines. Measures are being taken to ensure that this disconnection does not increase the levels of disruption experienced in recent days,” wrote pro-government journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso on Facebook.
In this way, despite the return of the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant to the National Electric System (SEN), one of the most important energy blocks in the country, power outages will continue without significant changes throughout Cuba.
According to the informative note published this Saturday by Unión Eléctrica (UNE), the country experienced disruptions throughout the previous day, a situation that continued into the early hours of today.
At seven in the morning this Friday, the energy availability of the National Electric System was only 1,895 MW compared to a demand of 3,245 MW, which represents a capacity deficit impact of 1,325 MW.
During peak hours, availability is expected to rise to only 2,022 MW against an estimated maximum demand of 3,700 MW. This would result in a deficit of 1,674 MW and a potential impact of up to 1,744 MW, which would extend blackouts across the entire country.
Frequently Asked Questions about Battery Installation for Solar Parks in Cuba
What are BESS and how are they used in Cuba?
BESS are Battery Energy Storage Systems that are used to store excess energy produced by solar farms during the day, allowing for its use when generation is low or demand is high. In Cuba, these batteries are being installed in electrical substations to enhance the stability of the energy supply.
Why is the installation of batteries in solar parks in Cuba crucial?
The installation of batteries is crucial because it allows for the storage of solar energy generated during the day, making it easier to use at night or during peak demand times, which helps to mitigate the intermittency of renewable energy and improve the stability of the electricity supply in Cuba.
What are the current limitations of solar energy in Cuba?
The current limitations 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 electrical grid infrastructure is outdated, and the country faces financial and technological constraints in optimizing the integration of renewable energies.
How does the energy crisis affect daily life in Cuba?
The energy crisis is causing prolonged and frequent blackouts, impacting the daily lives of Cubans with interruptions to basic services, food preservation, and adding pressure on the economy and social well-being. The country's dependence on imported fossil fuels and the inefficiency of thermal power plants exacerbate this situation.
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