The Cuban government justifies itself: "No solar park, on its own, will solve the deficit."
The Cuban regime justified this Saturday that solar photovoltaic parks could not “resolve” the energy deficit in Cuba on their own, following the expectations generated among the population by the opening of several facilities of this kind.
Geider Mompié Rodríguez, director of the Granma Electric Company, detailed to the official local press that the generation deficit during peak daytime hours could only be overcome with “the sum and synchronization of all” of all solar parks.
The executive clarified that when the 55 parks planned for this year are commissioned – and the rest to complete a total of 92 by 2026 – and synchronize the 2,000 MW they would generate, the impact during the midday peak will disappear.
Referring to La Sabana park, inaugurated on March 21 in Bayamo, he argued that it is operating at up to 24 MW of power, but this is only 20% of Granma’s demand during the day.
“In this time of year, Granma, during the peak midday hours, consumes between 100 and 120 MW, while the plant is delivering only 21.87, practically 20 percent of the province’s demand, which is why, a single plant does not solve the problem”, he clarified.
He also stated that the regime only acquired 10% of the accumulation systems to be integrated into the transmission substations. However, these “battery banks” are not designed to provide power for extended periods, but rather to “regulate the system’s frequency” when the production of a plant is interrupted for any reason, the executive said.
On Facebook, where the note about the solar parks was shared, dozens of internet users wondered when the generation from these parks would be significant in the provinces where they are located.
Some believed that the contribution of renewable energy could not be perceived because everyone is connected to the national electric system and does not generate solely for the territory in which they are located.
”If these were not connected to the SEN and the generation were only for the province, then we would have already seen a reduction in blackouts in our area. So we still have to wait for more synchronization to the national grid to see improvements, while we continue to the rhythm of conga and without tumbadora, with the extremely annoying blackouts,” wrote a Cuban.
Others also noticed that since the installation of the solar energy fields, the situation has worsened: “It turns out that since 8 of them have been operational everything has gone from bad to worse, as if something is wrong with the information being provided.”
“What I don’t understand is how, with the addition of 7 power plants that total over 300 MW, the situation in Granma is worse than before—with blackouts lasting 10 and 12 hours for just 2 or 3 areas with service, and at times even up to 14 and 15 hours in a row, despite all the thermal power plants contributing to the national grid. Sometimes I think we really are a cause for shame and embarrassment.”
A user responded that probably all the energy would be allocated to Havana: “Because all the MW is for Havana.”
Cuba could face even more severe blackouts this Saturday, April 5, according to the official report from the Electric Union (UNE), which anticipates a maximum impact of 1,635 MW during peak hours, a figure that even exceeds the actual deficit reported on Friday, which was already greater than planned.
According to the information note from this Saturday, the electrical disruption on the island has been continuous over the last 24 hours, reaching a peak of 1,727 MW at 8:10 p.m. on Friday. This figure was higher than the 1,619 MW forecast the previous day, a recurring trend that raises concerns about the reliability of the reports issued by UNE, a state-owned company known for its opacity and data manipulation.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba and Solar Parks
Why don’t solar parks in Cuba solve the energy deficit?
Solar parks in Cuba do not resolve the energy deficit because their current capacity is insufficient to meet the total demand of the country. Although there are plans to construct 92 solar parks by 2026, the lack of storage infrastructure and the deterioration of existing thermoelectric plants limit the impact of these installations. Furthermore, solar energy can only be used in real-time during the day, which does not help satisfy nighttime demand.
What are the main causes of blackouts in Cuba?
The main causes of blackouts in Cuba are the prolonged deterioration of thermal power plants, lack of maintenance, and insufficient production of domestic crude oil. The energy crisis is worsened by the lack of investment and dependence on imported fossil fuels. Electricity generation consumes more than 50% of the available fuel in the country, and the electrical system suffers from deep structural problems.
What role does China play in the development of solar energy in Cuba?
China plays a crucial role in the development of solar energy in Cuba by donaing equipment and technology for the installation of solar parks. This support is part of a joint project aimed at adding 120 megawatts (MW) to the Cuban electrical system. Additionally, Chinese companies are involved in the construction of these parks, and the Cuban government has received logistical and technical support from China to advance its transition to renewable energy.
What impact does the lack of batteries have on the solar energy project in Cuba?
The lack of batteries in the solar energy project in Cuba means that the electricity generated during the day cannot be stored for nighttime use, which limits the benefit of solar parks. Without efficient storage solutions, the project cannot alleviate nighttime blackouts, when demand is higher. This critical shortcoming reduces the effectiveness of investments in solar energy and extends the country’s dependency on fossil fuels.