Cuba Starts Construction of 20-Megawatt Solar Park to Reduce Fuel Imports

Cuba has commenced the construction of a 20-megawatt solar park in Corúa 5, Holguín province, aiming to reduce its reliance on imported fuels and boost electricity generation. The facility, expected to be completed by the end of this year, will feature 42,000 solar panels installed on 20 hectares of land.

Renier Gómez, operations manager for the provincial electric company, stated that this is one of the first solar parks of its kind in Cuba. The project, utilizing technology from China, aims to decrease the country's consumption of imported fuels by tapping into solar energy.

Why this matters: This development in Cuba's renewable energy sector has broader implications for the country's energy independence and its ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As Cuba shifts away from imported fuels, it may inspire other countries to follow suit, contributing to a global reduction in carbon emissions.

The solar park will occupy 20 hectares out of a total 32-hectare site. Construction is currently focused on removing rock material and excavating the vegetal layer in an area of 35,000 square meters. The first part of the investment is scheduled to be delivered on June 5, marking a significant milestone in the project's timeline.

This project is a significant step towards increasing Cuba's renewable energy capacity. By the end of the year, the solar park is expected to contribute substantially to reducing the country's dependence on imported fuels and enhancing its electricity generation capabilities.

The solar park in Corúa 5 is part of a broader initiative to increase renewable energy sources in Cuba. Future plans include the construction of two additional solar parks, each with a capacity of 5 megawatts, and a solar park with batteries to ensure stability in voltage and frequency in the municipality of Cueto.

The Hydraulic Resources sector has also installed solar panels in over 70 pumping stations in Holguín, primarily in rural and hard-to-reach areas, to improve water supply. These efforts are part of a national strategy to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability.

Notably, the construction of the 20-megawatt solar park in Corúa 5 represents a significant advancement in Cuba's renewable energy initiatives. By reducing the reliance on imported fuels and increasing electricity generation, the project is set to make a substantial impact on the country's energy sector.

Key Takeaways

• Cuba builds 20-megawatt solar park in Corúa 5, Holguín province.
• 42,000 solar panels on 20 hectares of land to reduce imported fuels.
• Project aims to decrease Cuba's consumption of imported fuels by 2023.
• Solar park to contribute to Cuba's renewable energy capacity by end of 2023.
• Part of a broader initiative to increase renewable energy sources in Cuba.