This past Saturday, Vicente de la O Levy, the Minister of Energy and Mines, led the official inauguration of the El Algarrobo photovoltaic solar park in Guantánamo province. This 21.8-megawatt facility is being hailed as the first of its kind to be synchronized with the National Electric System (SEN) exclusively by Cuban personnel.
Positioned 10 kilometers along the road to the Paraguay community, the project required an investment exceeding 1,400 million Cuban pesos, according to Radio Guantánamo's report.
The development was carried out by the Electrical Company, the Ministry of Construction, and other industrial sector entities, though it faced several challenges along the way.
Challenges and Setbacks in Development
Originally slated for completion by the end of 2025, the project encountered delays that the government attributes to the restrictions imposed by the U.S. embargo.
In a notable incident last August, foreign investors unexpectedly withdrew from the project without explanation from official media. Consequently, a team of about 10 Cuban technicians independently took charge of the synchronization process.
Impact on Local Energy Supply
The El Algarrobo facility is expected to meet approximately 25% of Guantánamo's daily electricity needs at full capacity, potentially reducing blackouts during daylight hours.
The inauguration ceremony was also attended by Yoel Pérez García, the Communist Party's first secretary in the province, and Alis Azahares Torreblanca, the local governor.
Guantánamo's Energetic Vulnerability
Guantánamo is considered the most energy-vulnerable province in Cuba due to its sole dependency on a single 110 kV transmission line from Santiago de Cuba for its connection to the national grid.
When this line experiences failures, the entire province is plunged into darkness, as happened last June when a disruption left the area without power.
Prior to El Algarrobo's launch, the region already had nearly 80 megawatts generated by solar parks located in La Yaya, the capital's substation, Santa Teresa, Los Ciguatos, and Punta de Maisí.
Steps Toward Renewable Energy Goals
In line with the strategy for distributed generation, a new state charging center was recently opened in the provincial capital. This center, set up on a former micro landfill site, is the third of its kind in the city and features 15 kilowatts of solar panels and 12 kilowatts of storage capacity.
Guantánamo aims to boost its renewable energy production from the current 15% to 37% by 2030, as part of a national program targeting the establishment of 92 solar parks and 2,000 megawatts across the country by 2028.
Key Insights on El Algarrobo Solar Park in Guantánamo
Why is El Algarrobo solar park significant?
El Algarrobo is significant as it is the first solar park in Cuba to be synchronized with the National Electric System entirely by Cuban technicians, showcasing local expertise in renewable energy development.
What challenges did the El Algarrobo project face?
The project faced delays attributed to the U.S. embargo and encountered a major setback when foreign investors withdrew unexpectedly, leaving Cuban technicians to complete the synchronization process independently.
How will El Algarrobo impact Guantánamo's power supply?
Once fully operational, El Algarrobo is expected to provide 25% of Guantánamo's daily electricity needs, helping to alleviate power outages, especially during sunny hours.