In the presence of Cuba’s Vice Prime Minister Ramiro Valdés and the Minister of Energy and Mines Vicente de la O Levy, the results of a study focused on the control and supervision of investments in photovoltaic parks and the maintenance of thermal power plants were analyzed in the Industry, Construction, and Energy Commission of Parliament. In most of the investments reviewed, the necessary permits, construction licenses, endorsements from organizations, contracts, and their scope and updates were suitably verified.

There were, however, defaults in investments in Ciego de Ávila, Guantánamo, and Matanzas. In this last territory, there are investments that have been paralyzed for more than five years and others do not have the executive project.

At the national level, work is being done to achieve a change in the energy matrix that provides minimal use of fossil fuels and promotes the use of new forms of electricity generation. It was recommended that work systems be established with local authorities to control the works, guarantee the implementation of an effective mechanism so that physical fuel is not lacking, and organize technical inspections with universities for quality control. Likewise, it was proposed that a system of care be assured for builders, assemblers, and workers in general, which includes minimizing any safety risk and reporting in a timely manner any difficulties that may arise in the investment process.

The commitment of the workers to reduce the energy generation deficit was confirmed, considering that the investment processes under development with renewable energy sources will guarantee fuel savings, mainly diesel and fuel oil, along with a revival of the economy. Vicente de la O Levy commented that a program is being implemented in Cuba for the construction of 92 photovoltaic parks. “The resources are arriving to supply them, we have fuel in Cuba for these works, and progress is being made in the projects,” he said.

Vicente de la O Levy noted the importance of electric company directors in controlling the investment process, and he specified that work was already underway on the civil construction of the first 19 parks—71 containers with resources have already arrived in the country. “There has been a significant increase in the prices of shipping companies that transport containers, but so far there are no delays in payments. We apply alternatives in the face of difficulties,” he said.

The minister reported that by the beginning of next year “we must have the first 1,000 MW of generation with renewable sources to increase independence from fossil fuels, although the situation is not completely resolved.” Vicente de la O Levy explained that changing the energy matrix of a country entails a complete transformation. “I would even say cultural. Therefore, what is done from the base is transcendental. It is a renovation from the bottom up. In 2005 or 2006, the first wind farms were built in Gibara. There began the link with the universities, the wind projection in Cuba, what Fidel had conceived. We have already made progress, because it has been studied, it has been a joint result for many years, in which the universities and the ministries of Higher Education and Energy and Mines have participated,” said the minister.

Likewise, he said that the country is in a scientific-technical position to design a way to go abroad to finance these projects. In addition, nine photovoltaic parks (22 MW) are under construction, for which supplies should arrive at the end of this year. Meanwhile, work is being done on the Herradura 1 wind farm and on achieving a generation of 120 MW, thanks to a Chinese donation of 22 parks. The first stage envisions the installation of 35 MW in seven parks, whose resources will arrive in the country before the end of 2024.

Regarding the electrification of homes isolated from the national electrical system using renewable energy sources, it was noted that currently 4,256 systems have partial breakdowns, allowing service only during the day. Likewise, about 1,150 have total breakdowns. All of these cases must have a solution with the entry into the country of 5,000 batteries that arrived in July and the 3,176 systems that will receive those batteries.

Representative Suyén Rodríguez Pérez, from Palma Soriano, referred to the important contribution to energy development that the business system must provide. “To achieve this, we must insist on the training system for high-quality professionals, who can then support the design of cooperation projects. We have to involve more and we are also in time to add to the self-employed sector,” she said.

Rodríguez commented that the change in the energy matrix is ​​a necessary reality. “This process imposes different ways of doing things and incentives for companies. At some point, investments will have to include self-sufficiency,” she added.

Dayana Beyra Fernández, from the Regla municipality, highlighted the program of the Ministry of Energy and Mines with that of Higher Education. “They have achieved a great alliance between factories and universities to train students and they in turn cover the needs of the industry,” she said. “This experience should be transmitted to other organizations.”

Mijaíl Bonachea Crespo, from Sancti Spíritus, also referred to the importance of this agreement. “Before this program, the workers at the Sergio Soto oil refinery already worked with this perspective of improvement, as part of the internal management we had. But now, after the agreement, we have gained potential. Starting in October, we will have 16 students working with us, who will even receive a salary. It is important to contribute to the development and training of future professionals and that they, in turn, learn with us,” he said.

Currently there are 72 solar parks installed throughout the country (Figure 1) with a total capacity of 226 MW, which achieve an annual electric generation of 310 GWh and save the consumption of 81,000 tons of fuel per year. These solar sites permit the supply of electricity to about 289,000 homes at noon peak hours. Additionally, there are 12 MW installed on rooftops, while about 24,081 isolated solar panels are installed in schools, polyclinics, rural isolated homes, among others. The potential of solar radiation in Cuba is approximately 5 kWh per square meter per day.

—Amaury Pérez Sánchez ([email protected]) is a chemical engineer based in Cuba with the University of Camagüey.