The Cuban government promises 10,000 MW of photovoltaic generation before the end of 2025
In the midst of a persistent energy crisis that is causing widespread power outages across the country, the Cuban government has pledged to add 10,000 megawatts (MW) of photovoltaic generation capacity by the end of 2025.
The goal, announced by the General Director of Electricity at the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM), Lázaro Guerra Hernández, exclusively for the Canal Caribe, has been presented as a strategic step towards reducing the impacts of energy deficits, but raises questions about its technical and financial viability.
According to the official, the progressive integration of new solar parks will help alleviate power outages, especially during peak daytime consumption hours.
However, the national electrical system itself continues to show signs of structural weakness: outdated thermal power plants and a deteriorating distributed generation that can barely respond to peak demand.
In March, eight solar parks were synchronized, producing around 1 gigawatt-hour daily. This contribution has theoretically allowed for a reduction of about 170 MW in service disruptions during the midday peak.
Nonetheless, the real impact of these additions remains limited, as solar energy is highly sensitive to weather conditions and backup infrastructure, such as battery storage systems, is still in the implementation phase.
According to the Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, although the first storage containers have arrived in the country, the batteries have not yet been installed, which prevents covering nighttime demand and limits the impact in the face of ongoing blackouts.
According to Guerra Hernández’s statements, the photovoltaic plan is part of a broader government strategy that includes the maintenance of thermoelectric plants, the recovery of distributed generation, and the use of floating power plants, among other measures.
Despite the commitment to renewable energy, thermal generation, which uses national fossil fuels such as associated gas from oil extraction, remains the foundation of national energy production.
The executive revealed that more details will soon be provided about the strategy to recover key thermal units, such as unit number two of the Lidio Ramón Pérez thermoelectric power plant located in Mayarí, Holguín.
A few days ago, the UNE acknowledged that, although solar parks provide some relief during the day, they do not constitute a comprehensive solution to the energy crisis the country is facing.
Furthermore, factors such as cloud cover have affected solar energy generation, resulting in a production that is 29 MWh lower than planned in the western part of the country.
The ruler himself Miguel Díaz-Canel has promised an improvement in Cuba’s electricity crisis through the installation of these photovoltaic parks.
However, these promises come amidst a long history of unmet commitments by the Cuban regime regarding the recovery of the electrical system.
Furthermore, experts and economists question the viability of the Cuban government’s approach to renewable energies. They believe that the regime is using these projects as propaganda and that, without significant changes in management and funding, it is unlikely that the current energy crisis will be resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cuban Government’s Energy Plan and the Blackout Crisis
What is the Cuban government’s goal for photovoltaic generation by 2025?
The Cuban government has pledged to add 10,000 MW of photovoltaic generation capacity before the end of 2025. This goal is part of an effort to reduce the impacts of energy deficits through the installation of new solar parks, although there are doubts about its technical and financial viability.
What challenges does the Cuban government face in achieving its solar energy goals?
The main challenges include the lack of batteries to store the generated electricity, which means that solar energy can only be used in real time during the day. Additionally, the national electrical system exhibits structural weaknesses, such as outdated thermoelectric plants and deteriorating distributed generation.
How does the Cuban government plan to improve the electrical system besides solar energy?
The Cuban government plans to combine solar expansion with the recovery of distributed generation and the maintenance of thermoelectric plants. The use of floating power plants and the improvement of backup infrastructure are also being considered, although these measures face challenges due to a lack of resources and technology.
Is the Cuban government’s strategy on renewable energy viable?
Experts and economists question the viability of the Cuban government’s approach to renewable energy due to the lack of significant investments, reliance on foreign technologies, and poor management. They believe that these projects are used for propaganda and that it is unlikely the energy crisis will be resolved without significant changes in management and funding.