Cuba Secures Resources for the Construction of 92 Photovoltaic Parks

AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH:

The Cuban government has secured the resources for constructing 92 photovoltaic parks, as part of efforts to diversify energy sources and alleviate the country's energy crisis and increasing renewable energy generation capacity.

Cuba’s Energy Infrastructure: A Historical Challenge 

Cuba, often pictured with classic cars and colonial architecture, struggles with an energy infrastructure that has seen little modernisation since 1959. Unlike the charm of vintage automobiles, the outdated energy grid results in frequent blackouts, exacerbating the country’s water supply issues and intensifying the urgency for new energy solutions.

Unique Obstacles and Urgent Solutions 

Cuba’s energy sector faces unique challenges, compounded by its heavy reliance on imported oil. This dependency has driven the Cuban government to prioritise renewable energy, aiming to harness the country’s abundant sunshine by constructing 92 photovoltaic parks. Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, confirmed that Cuba has the fuel reserves necessary for these projects, with development already in progress.

China’s Crucial Partnership 

China has emerged as a key partner, providing expertise and financial support for Cuba’s renewable energy projects. A Chinese government donation has already facilitated significant progress at the Herradura 1 wind farm and 22 solar power parks, expected to generate a combined 120 MW. Components for these projects are set to arrive by the end of 2024, with the first phase comprising seven solar parks yielding 35 MW.

Economic Challenges and Short-Term Solutions 

The ongoing economic crisis and outdated energy grid, unchanged since the Soviet Union's fall, hinder Cuba’s progress. While new wind farms were inaugurated in 2005, the energy crisis persists due to a lack of a unified strategy. The government’s leasing of floating oil-fired platforms, using high-sulphur oil, exacerbates the infrastructure's wear and tear, making long-term renewable energy investments increasingly urgent.

The Need for International Investment 

Cuba requires substantial capital—estimated at $8-10 billion—to overhaul its energy infrastructure. While Chinese donations are valuable, the 92 photovoltaic plants will only meet about 2% of Cuba’s energy needs by 2028. To achieve its goal of 37% renewable energy by 2030, Cuba needs more international partners in solar and wind power, promising lucrative returns for investors.

A Call to Action 

Cuba's strategic location and abundant natural resources make it ideal for generating solar and wind energy. The government is actively seeking immediate investments to avoid future crises and capitalise on the global shift towards renewable energy. Investors are invited to contribute to this transformative journey, promising both significant impact and returns.

Havana, anyone?

POSTAGENS RELACIONADAS

July 24, 2025
Interview

Ignacio Mehech: “Chile’s biggest challenge is meeting global lithium demand while upholding social and environmental standards”

In this exclusive interview, Ignacio Mehech, CEO of CleanTech Lithium, outlines Chile’s strategic position in the global energy transition. He highlights the country’s potential to lead in renewable energy and critical minerals—especially lithium—while stressing the importance of accelerating project development without compromising environmental or social responsibility. Mehech also reflects on how transparency, collaboration, and community engagement are key to building long-term trust among stakeholders, and why Chile’s legal certainty and global openness will be instrumental to securing its role in the future of clean energy supply chains.
July 21, 2025
Article

Brazil’s Rare Earths Surge: Building a New Global Hub for Critical Minerals

Brazil is rapidly positioning itself as a key player in the global rare earths supply chain—a sector critical to the energy transition, technological sovereignty, and economic resilience.
July 17, 2025
Interview

Chile’s Energy Crossroads: Regulatory Overhaul and Legal Certainty Key to Sustaining Clean Energy Leadership

In this interview, a former energy policymaker and current legal advisor reflects on the critical challenges Chile faces after a decade of rapid renewable energy growth. With nearly 70% of the electricity matrix now renewable, the country must urgently update its regulatory framework to align with a new energy reality. The expert highlights the need to modernize distribution regulations, revisit transmission signals, and adapt generation policies to a highly renewable mix—all in the delicate context of recent tariff increases. Beyond natural resources, he stresses that Chile’s continued global competitiveness hinges on preserving legal certainty and regulatory predictability to foster long-term investment.