Related videos:
The nonagenarian commander of the regime, Ramiro Valdés Menéndez, inaugurated another solar park, this time in Sancti Spíritus.
This is the first Photovoltaic Solar Park (PSFV) in the province, located in Cabaiguán, one of the three planned to synchronize with the National Electroenergy System (SEN) this year, reported the local state media.
The historic commander of the regime, who is paraded throughout Cuba at the forefront of the inaugural pomp of solar parks, presented awards, toured the facilities, and listened to his subordinates.
The solar park in Cabaiguán will add 21.87 MW to the struggling national electric system (SEN).
After inaugurating the park, the elderly vice prime minister visited the Sergio Soto Refinery to gather information about "the delays that the plant's productive performance has shown up to today, especially regarding the production of dielectric oil, a category that has only managed to achieve 23 percent of the annual plan," the report states.
Solar parks to the rescue
This week, the Cuban Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, publicly acknowledged that the SEN is in a state of extreme weakness, to the point that -in his own words- without the contribution of photovoltaic solar parks, the crisis would be even more severe.
Currently, 30 solar parks are operating, generating around 600 megawatts, although they are limited in that they only produce during the day, as the country lacks energy storage systems.
"It is true that he only works during the day, but if we didn't have those 600 MW, the situation would be worse," he admitted.
It also acknowledged that the lack of batteries has caused more than 500 interruptions so far in 2024.
The regime plans to execute 55 parks on the island by December 2025, which could add up to 1,000 MW.
The island is facing an unprecedented energy crisis that the government itself has described as "severe".
Frequently asked questions about the energy crisis in Cuba and solar parks
What is the real impact of solar parks on the energy crisis in Cuba?
Solar parks contribute a limited amount of energy to the National Electroenergetic System (SEN), generating approximately 600 megawatts only during the day. Without storage systems, their impact is insufficient to resolve the widespread energy crisis facing the country.
What challenges does the Cuban electrical system currently face?
The Cuban electrical system faces significant challenges such as aging thermoelectric plants, postponed maintenance, and a critical shortage of fuel. These limitations have led to prolonged blackouts, severely impacting the daily lives of citizens.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to improve the energy situation?
The Cuban government is betting on the installation of new solar parks, aiming to achieve 2,000 MW of solar energy by 2030. However, without storage solutions and electrical grid modernization, these measures are insufficient to address the structural energy crisis.
What is the current situation of power outages in Cuba?
Cuba is experiencing widespread and prolonged power outages due to a deficit in electricity generation. The system's availability is insufficient to meet demand, resulting in power cuts that impact millions of Cubans daily.
Filed under: