New solar park connected in Granma, but 70% of its electricity demand still relies on diesel
The Juan Pérez II photovoltaic solar park, located in the coastal municipality of Niquero, is the second in the province of Granma to contribute clean energy to the National Electric System (SEN).
The installation “successfully passed the technical and commissioning tests” and currently provides 21.8 megawatts (MW), reported the official newspaper La Demajagua when announcing its inauguration on April 30th.
More than 600 workers participated in the final stages of construction, which was celebrated by the leadership of the communist party as an example of “collective commitment” and national technical capability.
Even so, the new park only meets a portion of the province’s energy needs. Currently, Granma generates 15% of its peak electricity demand (120 MW) through solar parks such as Yarey I and II, Jiguaní Desarrollo, Siboney, Payares, and Mártires de Artemisa.
In March, the La Sabana photovoltaic solar park was inaugurated in Bayamo, which also connected to the National Electric System (SEN).
“With the commissioning of Juan Pérez II and La Sabana, it is expected to cover 30% of the maximum demand (42 MW of 120 MW),” explained Ariel Ovidio Álvarez Suárez, director of Renewable Sources at the Granma Electric Company.
This implies that the remaining 70% still depends on fossil fuels for thermal power generation, in a country beset by frequent and prolonged blackouts, diesel shortages, and increasing energy vulnerability.
At the inauguration ceremony, the authorities presented awards to more than a dozen companies and individuals, and for the sixth consecutive year, honored the Granma Electric Company as a “National Vanguard Collective,” despite the ongoing issues with the electrical system.
The authorities also highlighted international cooperation—particularly from China, “through donations”—as a key factor in the country’s photovoltaic expansion, clarifying that the growth of the sector still relies on external support rather than sustainable internal capabilities.
Granma aims to increase its installed solar capacity to over 115 MW, with new projects underway such as the Camilo Cienfuegos parks in Río Cauto, Las Tapias in Manzanillo (21.8 MW), and Yara (5 MW), as well as a microgrid in the community of El Uno in Santa Rosa, Río Cauto. However, no details were provided regarding investment amounts, maintenance costs, or specific timelines for the discontinuation of diesel.
The Cuban government is betting on the expansion of renewable energy use, which accounts for less than 5% of the national energy matrix.
In fact, authorities claim that the country will soon rank among the top three in the world in making rapid advances in the transition to clean energy, amid the deep energy crisis currently facing the nation.
In this regard, the investment budget for 2025 reflects a partial shift in spending priorities, with a significant increase in renewable energy and debt repayment.
During the past few months, there has been news about the inauguration of several photovoltaic parks. The leader Miguel Díaz-Canel with the installation of these systems that will generate more than 500 MW of solar energy in the first half of this year.
Additionally, it was committed that by the end of 2025, 55 solar parks will have been built with a capacity of 1,200 MW.
However, this measure comes with a significant limitation: the lack of batteries to store the generated electricity, which means that solar energy can only be used in real time, during the day, without the possibility of meeting nighttime demand, when consumption is at its highest.
Cuban authorities have reiterated the promise to by 2030.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis and Solar Parks in Cuba
What generation capacity does the new Juan Pérez II solar park in Granma have?
The Juan Pérez II solar park has a generation capacity of 21.8 megawatts (MW). This park is part of efforts to enhance the supply of clean energy in the Granma province, although its impact is limited due to the reliance on diesel to meet 70% of the provincial energy demand.
How much of Granma’s energy demand is covered by solar power?
Currently, about 30% of the energy demand in Granma during peak electricity hours is covered by solar energy, according to authorities. However, the remaining 70% still depends on fossil sources, which reflects the heavy reliance on diesel in the region and the challenges in achieving a cleaner energy matrix.
What role does China play in the expansion of solar energy in Cuba?
China is a key partner in the expansion of solar energy in Cuba, providing significant donations of equipment for the installation of solar parks. This cooperation is crucial as the growth of the solar sector in Cuba still heavily relies on external support due to the lack of sustainable internal capabilities.
What are the limitations of solar energy use in Cuba currently?
One of the main limitations is the lack of batteries to store the generated electricity, which means that solar energy can only be used in real-time during the day. This constraint prevents meeting nighttime demand, which is when the highest energy consumption occurs in the country.
What is the Cuban government’s goal regarding solar energy for 2030?
The Cuban government has set the goal of achieving 2,000 MW of photovoltaic generation by 2030. This objective is part of a broader plan to diversify the country’s energy matrix and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, although it faces significant challenges due to the current limitations of the electrical system.