Cuba is intensifying the incorporation of new renewable energy generation capacity to address the current electricity deficit, stated Miguel Díaz-Canel, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic, on Thursday in a press conference with national and international media.
This is one of the possible responses amidst fuel limitations affecting the National Electric System (SEN), and following assessments made by the Political Bureau, the National Defense Council, and the Council of Ministers, where strategies were analyzed to address the acute fuel shortage.
The country has over 1,000 megawatts of installed photovoltaic capacity, and the opportunity to expand these investments is confirmed because Cuba has not received fuel since December, which has directly impacted the population.
By the end of February, an additional 98 megawatts are expected to be available, and another 58 in March, with successive increases in the coming months.
Part of these investments includes energy storage systems to stabilize the frequency of the National Electric System (SEN), according to the Ministry of Energy and Mines.
The installation of 5,000 two-kilowatt solar systems is planned for isolated, unelectrified communities.
In addition, 5,000 modules will be installed in vital service centers for the population, including 161 maternity homes, 156 nursing homes, 305 senior centers, 556 polyclinics, 336 bank branches, and 349 administrative offices.
Solar systems were installed in the homes of 161 children with health conditions requiring constant electricity, and another 121 are expected to benefit this year.
Ten thousand solar systems were also allocated to education and healthcare workers, with payment plans and long-term loans.
The program includes incentives for those who generate electricity for the National Electric System (SEN) or their communities, as well as the reactivation of two wind farms.
The public will gradually receive a detailed overview of the energy situation, with explanations from ministers and deputy ministers regarding the measures to be adopted, especially those related to energy conservation.
IMAGE CREDIT: ACN | Photo: Cuban Presidency
[ SOURCE: AGENCIA CUBANA DE NOTICIAS ]
