The Cuban engineer Luis Bérriz Pérez, a trailblazer in solar energy development in Cuba and the longstanding president of Cubasolar, passed away this Thursday, as reported by Juventud Técnica magazine.
The magazine, with which Bérriz collaborated for many years, did not disclose the cause of his death.
Bérriz dedicated over 40 years to advancing and advocating for renewable energy sources, long before solar power gained its current prominence in a Cuba plagued by an ongoing energy crisis and daily blackouts.
Early Academic and Professional Journey
He graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Czechoslovakia in 1965 and later earned his doctorate in Technical Sciences. Throughout his career, he was associated with the University of Oriente, the Ministry of the Food Industry, and various energy research projects.
One notable achievement was the establishment of the Solar Energy Research Center (CIES) in Santiago de Cuba on May 11, 1984, marking the inception of Cuba's first specialized solar energy research facility.
Founding of Cubasolar and Contributions to Renewable Energy
A decade later, in November 1994, Bérriz founded Cubasolar, officially known as the Cuban Society for the Promotion of Renewable Energy Sources and Environmental Respect, an organization he led until his passing.
He also played a significant role in scientific dissemination, founding the magazines Eco Solar and Energía y Tú, and advocated for Cuba's solar potential since the 1970s.
Legacy and Vision
Among his early works is "Perspectives on the Utilization of Solar Energy in Cuba," which included one of the first maps depicting solar radiation distribution across the nation.
In a 2012 interview, Bérriz encapsulated his philosophy with the statement, "If the world has much more clean energy than we need, why, then, use the polluting kind?" This sentiment encapsulated much of his career vision.
His research also focused on regional development using local energy resources and technologies like solar water heating systems and solar dryers.
Recognition and Unresolved Challenges
Bérriz received numerous accolades, including the Carlos J. Finlay Order, one of Cuba's highest scientific honors, and the Commemorative Coin for the 30th Anniversary of the Cuban Academy of Sciences.
His death occurs as solar power increasingly contributes to the island's electricity generation. The Cuban regime has touted records in photovoltaic generation and continues to pursue the construction of new solar parks.
However, this expansion has not resolved the persistent blackouts plaguing Cubans daily, exacerbated by deteriorating thermoelectric plants, fuel shortages, and the limited capacity to store electricity generated during sunlight hours.
Understanding the Impact of Solar Energy in Cuba
Who was Luis Bérriz Pérez?
Luis Bérriz Pérez was a Cuban engineer and pioneer in the field of solar energy development in Cuba, serving as the president of Cubasolar since its establishment in 1994.
What was Cubasolar?
Cubasolar is an organization formally known as the Cuban Society for the Promotion of Renewable Energy Sources and Environmental Respect, founded by Luis Bérriz Pérez to advance renewable energy in Cuba.
What were some of Luis Bérriz Pérez's contributions to renewable energy?
Luis Bérriz Pérez founded the Solar Energy Research Center (CIES) and played a pivotal role in promoting solar energy in Cuba through scientific dissemination and practical applications like solar water heating systems.