Cuba begins construction of 55 solar parks with Chinese financing
Photo: Unsplash.
According to a report by Energy News, within the unfinished structures of nuclear power plants in Cuban territory, the government is overseeing the progress of 44,000 solar panels that are part of the La Yuca photovoltaic park, located in the province of Cienfuegos.
These panels are part of the national plan for the year 2025, which includes the installation of 55 projects with similar characteristics. With these initiatives, the government aims to expand energy supply options and reduce the use of fossil fuels, which currently play a key role in powering the country’s thermal power plants.
In this regard, Vicente de la O Levy, Minister of Energy and Mines, stated that more than 50% of the country’s fuel resources are used for electricity generation, surpassing national expenditures on medicine and food.
It is also worth noting that in recent months, Cuba has experienced power outages lasting several days, including at least four nationwide blackouts caused by fuel shortages or system failures.
The project is reportedly valued at several hundred million dollars, although the Cuban government has not publicly disclosed the total cost. What is known is that it receives financial and logistical support from the People’s Republic of China. Additionally, some of the containers at La Yuca display large Chinese characters, indicating their origin.
According to Cuban authorities, the goal is to reach an installed capacity of 1,200 megawatts (MW) by the end of 2025, in order to reduce the current electricity deficit, which is estimated at around 1,500 megawatts. However, communities near the park have reported having to adapt to limited electricity availability, resorting to coal for cooking and other household tasks, and enduring prolonged service interruptions.
In response, Jorge Piñón, a researcher at the University of Texas, stated that achieving the project’s goals is closely tied to the development of its energy storage capacity, a component that has yet to be implemented. Although the containers for the battery systems have already arrived in Cuba, they have not yet been installed, which is reportedly causing unstable power supply during nighttime hours.
Last but not least, it is important to note that Cienfuegos is considered an ideal site for energy development. In fact, during the Cold War in the 1980s, it was selected for nuclear initiatives. Now, it will host five of the solar parks to be built on the island. The region has an industrial port, a thermal power plant, and a refinery, making it a key area for the country’s energy network.
Main Source:
Sino-Uruguayan bio-nano-pharma lab launched in Montevideo – MercoPress
Related News:
China and Cuba Advance Renewable Energy Project
Military meeting between China and Cuba following report on espionage bases
Bolivia establishes steel plant, with Chinese financing
You may me interested in:
Cuba se prepara para FITCuba 2025: un encuentro cultural y turístico con China – TeleSUR