In the presence of Cuba’s Vice Prime Minister Ramiro Valdés and the Minister of Power and Mines Vicente de la O Levy, the findings of a study focused on the governance and oversight of investments in solar parks and the maintenance of thermal energy plants were examined within the Trade, Development, and Energy Commission of Parliament. In many of the investments scrutinized, the required permits, construction licenses, approvals from agencies, agreements, and their extent and updates had been appropriately validated.
However, there were delays in investments in Ciego de Ávila, Guantánamo, and Matanzas. In this last region, some investments have been stalled for more than five years and others lack the managerial project.
On a national scale, efforts are being made to achieve a transformation in the energy matrix that ensures minimal fossil fuel usage and encourages the adoption of new forms of electricity production. It was recommended that work programs be developed with local authorities to oversee the projects, ensure the establishment of an efficient mechanism to prevent physical fuel shortages, and organize technical inspections with universities for quality assurance. Additionally, it was suggested that a support system be ensured for developers, assemblers, and workers in general, which includes reducing any safety hazards and reporting any challenges that may arise during the investment process in a timely manner.
The commitment of the workforce to alleviate the energy generation deficit was reaffirmed, considering that the investment processes being developed with renewable energy sources will guarantee fuel savings, particularly diesel and fuel oil, along with a revitalization of the economy. Vicente de la O Levy remarked that a program is being implemented in Cuba for the construction of 92 solar parks. “The resources are arriving to support them; we have fuel in Cuba for these projects, and progress is being made in the initiatives,” he stated.
Vicente de la O Levy emphasized the significance of electric company directors in overseeing the investment process, and he noted that work was already underway on the civil construction of the first 19 parks—71 containers with supplies have already arrived in the country. “There has been a considerable rise in shipping costs for companies transporting containers, but as of now, there are no delays in payments. We apply solutions in response to challenges,” he stated.
The minister reported that by the beginning of next year “we should have the initial 1,000 MW of generation from renewable sources to augment independence from fossil fuels, although the situation is not completely resolved yet.” Vicente de la O Levy explained that altering a country’s energy matrix involves a total transformation. “I might even say cultural. Therefore, the actions taken from the grassroots level are crucial. It is a renovation from the ground up. In 2005 or 2006, the first wind farms were constructed in Gibara. That initiated the connection with the universities, the wind potential in Cuba, which was envisioned by Fidel. We have already made advances, as it has been researched and has seen joint results over the years, with participation from universities and the ministries of Higher Education and Energy and Mines,” stated the minister.
Moreover, he mentioned that the country is in a scientifically and technically favorable position to devise a way to seek overseas financing for these projects. Additionally, nine solar parks (22 MW) are under construction, with supplies expected to arrive by the end of this year. Meanwhile, work is progressing on the Herradura 1 wind farm aiming for a generation of 120 MW, thanks to a Chinese donation of twenty-two parks. The initial stage envisions the installation of 35 MW in seven parks, with resources set to arrive in the country before the end of 2024.
Regarding the electrification of homes disconnected from the national electrical system using renewable energy sources, it was noted that currently 4,256 systems have partial failures, allowing service only during the daytime. Likewise, approximately 1,150 are completely nonoperational. All of these cases should be addressed with the entry into the country of 5,000 batteries that arrived in July, along with the 3,176 systems that will receive these batteries.
Representative Suyén Rodríguez Pérez, from Palma Soriano, referred to the essential role that the business system must play in energy development. “To achieve this, we must emphasize the training system for high-quality professionals, who can subsequently assist in the design of cooperation projects. We have to involve more and we are also timely to include the self-employed sector,” she stated.
Rodríguez noted that the transformation of the energy matrix is a critical reality. “This process imposes new methods of operation and incentives for companies. In the future, investments must include self-sufficiency,” she added.
Dayana Beyra Fernández, from the Regla municipality, highlighted the collaboration between the Ministry of Energy and Mines and Higher Education. “They have formed a significant alliance between factories and universities to train students who in turn address the demands of the industry,” she stated. “This experience should be communicated to other organizations.”
Mijaíl Bonachea Crespo, from Sancti Spíritus, also noted the value of this agreement. “Prior to this program, the workers at the Sergio Soto oil refinery were already engaged with this mindset of improvement as part of the internal management we had. But now, after the agreement, we have gained potential. Starting in October, we will have 16 students working with us, who will also receive compensation. It is vital to contribute to the development and training of future professionals so that they, in turn, learn with us,” he expressed.
At present, there are 72 solar parks installed throughout the nation (Figure 1) with a total capacity of 226 MW, generating an annual electrical output of 310 GWh and saving the consumption of 81,000 tons of fuel per year. These solar sites enable the provision of electricity to approximately 289,000 homes during peak midday hours. Furthermore, 12 MW are installed on rooftops, while about 24,081 isolated solar panels have been placed in schools, polyclinics, rural remote homes, and more. Cuba’s solar radiation potential is roughly 5 kWh per square meter per day.
—Amaury Pérez Sánchez ([email protected]) is a chemical engineer located in Cuba with the University of Camagüey.
