This Friday marked the inauguration of Havana's first Chinese-built solar park, as Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel and Commander Ramiro Valdés presided over the opening ceremony. Located in the Cotorro municipality, the "Nursing School" park is a pioneering element of the so-called Project B, anticipated to contribute 1,000 MW to the National Electric System (SEN) this year. "It's a marvel," remarked Cuba's Presidential account on X.
Details reveal that each of the parks under this initiative boasts a capacity of 21.8 MW, generated by 42,588 panels mounted on 1,638 tables. Ricardo Mangana Pérez, head of the Renewable Energy Sources Company (Emfre), mentioned to Granma newspaper that recent days have seen crucial generation tests, with Thursday witnessing peak output at 21.7 MW.
The operation of this facility, according to the expert, will lead to a diesel fuel consumption reduction exceeding 8,500 tons annually. Around 20 Cuban enterprises were involved in the site’s construction, aided by expert consultation from China, which also supplied the technology.
Amid an unprecedented energy crisis, the Cuban government is pushing for renewable energy sources, which currently constitute less than 5% of the national energy matrix. The Electric Union has ramped up its media campaign, highlighting the construction of new solar parks through frequent updates on their social media platforms.
Yet, as many of these solar initiatives remain in embryonic stages, Cubans endure extended power outages due to inadequate investment in electrical infrastructure and reliance on imported fossil fuels. Although the government has proclaimed plans to erect 55 solar parks with an overall capacity of 1,200 megawatts by year’s end, citizens remain skeptical about solar energy’s potential to rescue a crumbling energy system, given the administration's history of unfulfilled promises.
Understanding Cuba's Solar Energy Initiatives
What is the capacity of the newly inaugurated solar park in Havana?
The newly inaugurated solar park in Havana has a capacity of 21.8 MW, generated from 42,588 solar panels.
How much diesel fuel does the solar park save annually?
The operation of the solar park is expected to save over 8,500 tons of diesel fuel each year.
How many solar parks does the Cuban government plan to build by the end of the year?
The Cuban government has announced plans to build 55 solar parks with a total capacity of 1,200 megawatts by the end of the year.