Cuba and China have taken new steps in their energy cooperation by evaluating joint projects aimed at exploring and possibly extracting oil and gas in Cuban territory, amid a deep energy crisis that forces the island to rely on fuel imports.
The progress was confirmed following a scientific-technical exchange held in Havana, where specialists from the Oil Research Center (CEINPET) and geologists from both countries analyzed key initiatives related to the hydrocarbon potential on land and the creation of the first Geochemical Atlas of Cuba.
According to a report from the Cuban television news, the meeting reflected "the Asian nation's commitment to energy sovereignty and the economic and social program of the Cuban government," in an alliance that is presented as strategic for the island's energy future.
Two key projects: chemical map and crude oil search
The core of the collaboration revolves around two major projects.
On one hand, the creation of the Geochemical Atlas of Cuba, an unprecedented study on the composition of the national subsurface.
On the other hand, the assessment of oil and gas potential to identify new exploitable fields.
A specialist quoted in the television report explained that “a project is aimed at creating the geochemical Atlas of Cuba, which is a study of the chemical elements found throughout the national territory at different levels and scales.”
In parallel, he added that "the other project is aimed at contributing to the assessment of the oil and gas potential we have in the country in order to identify new areas where we may have the potential for oil."
This approach aims directly at expanding the limited national production, which currently meets only about 40% of the domestic fuel demand.
Chinese technology to address shortages in Cuba
One of the most important aspects of this cooperation is access to advanced technologies that Cuba does not have.
Part of the work involves sending geological samples to the Asian giant for analysis.
The specialist himself emphasized that “there is a component aimed at the part related to laboratory analyses, involving technologies that we do not have in Cuba, so samples are taken in Cuba and sent to China for analysis and interpretation, and this is a very significant contribution.”
This exchange allows the Cuban authorities to enhance their understanding of the subsurface despite the technical and financial limitations the country faces.
Furthermore, the collaboration includes the training of Cuban specialists in advanced processes and technologies, aimed at a long-term transfer of capabilities.
Beyond Oil: Minerals and Geothermal Energy
The bilateral agenda is not limited to oil and gas. It also includes the identification of mineral raw materials deemed essential for the energy transition, as well as studies on the geothermal potential of the island.
During the scientific sessions, described as "high-level," "concepts and projections all focused on energy sovereignty" were discussed, according to the television report.
In this context, one area of focus is identifying resources that can be integrated into the new global energy dynamics, while another is centered on exploring the use of geothermal energy in Cuba.
Routes in oil areas and presence of Chinese companies
As part of the program, the Chinese delegation visited oil fields in the western and central regions of the country, including facilities in El Fraile (Mayabeque) and Varadero (Matanzas).
On this last point, the geologists agreed with representatives from the Chinese company Gran Muralla, a subsidiary of the China National Petroleum Corporation, which has had a presence on the island for years and is responsible for drilling most of the wells in Cuba.
Energy and crisis: the background of the rapprochement
The push for these projects occurs in the context of an acute energy crisis. Cuba needs around 100,000 barrels of fuel daily but only produces a fraction, forcing it to import the rest under increasingly complex conditions.
Cuban authorities have emphasized the need to achieve "energy sovereignty," combining an increase in domestic oil and gas production with a transition to renewable sources.
In this scenario, cooperation with China has become a key pillar. In addition to support in geological exploration, the Asian country has provided technology for solar parks, energy storage systems, and other projects aimed at diversifying Cuba's energy matrix.
Geology as a starting point
For the Cuban authorities, the current work is just the first step in a broader strategy. As one of the specialists summarized, "geology is the first link through which the rest of the country's economic development can subsequently unfold, based on the studied and analyzed potentials we have in the country."
The same expert emphasized that there is "a very remarkable willingness on their part with which the country is seeing the fruits of that collaboration."
Thus, while the island attempts to navigate its energy limitations, the alliance with China aims to establish the scientific and technical foundations for exploiting local resources that, if confirmed, could partially alleviate its external dependency.
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