Renewable energy in Cuba

Renewable energy in Cuba
Country	Cuba
Hydro	64 MW (2022 est.)
Wind	11.7 MW (2022 est.)
Solar	243 MW (2022 est.)
Bio	459 MW (bagasse cogeneration, 2022 est.)
Total	~778 MW (renewable capacity, 2022 est.)
Percent	~24.5% of electricity generation (2022)

Renewable energy in Cuba represents a strategic national priority to increase energy security, reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, and mitigate environmental impacts. The country's efforts are driven by state policy under the Communist Party of Cuba and implemented by entities like the Ministry of Energy and Mines and Unión Eléctrica (Cuba). While historically reliant on domestic sugar industry biomass and some hydropower, Cuba has significantly expanded its solar and wind portfolios in the 21st century, aiming for a major transformation of its electrical grid.

History of renewable energy in Cuba

The historical use of renewable energy in Cuba is deeply tied to its agricultural economy, particularly the sugar industry in Cuba, which has used bagasse for cogeneration since the 19th century. Following the Cuban Revolution and the subsequent U.S. embargo, energy security became paramount, leading to early investments in small-scale hydropower and continued biomass use. The severe energy crisis after the collapse of the Soviet Union, known as the Special Period, prompted initial studies into alternatives like solar water heating. Major institutional development began in the 1990s with the founding of research centers like the Centro de Investigaciones de Energía Solar (CIES). The modern push accelerated after 2014 with the approval of the Policy for the prospective development of renewable energy sources and the efficient use of energy.

Solar power

Solar power is the centerpiece of Cuba's renewable expansion, with significant projects developed across the island. The first large-scale solar park was inaugurated in 2013 in Cantarana, Santa Clara, with technology often sourced from companies like Shanghai Electric. Other major installations are located in Cienfuegos, Havana Province, and Guantánamo Province. The Cuban government promotes decentralized solar through the installation of photovoltaic panels on state buildings, farms, and in remote mountainous areas like those in Sierra Maestra. Research and development are supported by institutions such as the Universidad de La Habana and the Instituto de Cibernética, Matemática y Física (ICIMAF).

Wind power

Wind power development in Cuba has progressed cautiously due to detailed resource assessments conducted by the Instituto de Meteorología de Cuba. The country's first experimental wind farm was installed on the Isla de la Juventud in the 1990s. The primary operational wind farms are located at Turiguanó, near Ciego de Ávila, and in the northeastern region of Holguín Province, particularly at La Herradura. Potential for future development is identified along the northern coastlines, including areas near Banes and Gibara. Projects often involve international partnerships, such as those with Gamesa Corporación Tecnológica.

Biomass and bioenergy

Biomass, primarily from bagasse cogeneration at sugar mills, is the most established renewable source in Cuba. Key sugar complexes with significant power generation include the Ciro Redondo mill in Ciego de Ávila and the Héctor Rodríguez mill in Villa Clara Province. Beyond bagasse, research explores the use of marabú (plant) as a fuel source and the production of biogas from agricultural waste, supported by entities like the Instituto de Investigaciones de la Caña de Azúcar (INICA). The bioenergy program is integral to revitalizing the sugar industry under AZCUBA.

Hydropower and other sources

Hydropower in Cuba consists almost entirely of small-scale run-of-the-river plants, with no large dams due to the island's topography. Significant hydro complexes are located in the eastern mountains, such as the Hanabanilla dam in Villa Clara Province and systems in Granma Province and Santiago de Cuba Province. Other minor sources include experimental work in solar thermal energy and assessments of ocean thermal energy conversion potential in the Caribbean Sea, studied by the Centro de Estudios de Energía y Medio Ambiente (CEEMA).

Government policy and targets

Government policy is formalized in the 2014 document approved by the Council of Ministers of Cuba and the 2030 policy framework, which aims for 37% of electricity generation from renewables by 2030. The primary implementing agency is the Ministry of Energy and Mines, with financing facilitated by the Banco Central de Cuba and foreign investment managed under Cuban law by the Ministerio de Comercio Exterior y la Inversión Extranjera. Key legislation includes Resolution 345/2013 of the Ministerio de Finanzas y Precios which established favorable tariffs. International cooperation partners have included the United Nations Development Programme, Global Environment Facility, and Venezuela under the Petrocaribe alliance.

Challenges and future prospects

Major challenges include the U.S. embargo, which restricts access to international finance and technology, chronic shortages of hard currency, and an aging electrical grid managed by Unión Eléctrica (Cuba). Future prospects hinge on attracting foreign direct investment, with projects like the planned wind farm at La Herradura seen as critical tests. Continued collaboration with countries like China, Russia, and members of the European Union, alongside technological advancements from the Universidad de las Ciencias Informáticas, will be essential to meeting the ambitious 2030 targets and improving energy resilience nationwide. Category:Renewable energy by country Category:Energy in Cuba Category:Economy of Cuba