China to develop 92 solar farms for Cuba

27/09/2024 CEN_net Main~ 0

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 51 MW Herradura 1 wind farm, to be followed by the planned Herradura 2 supplying a further 50 MW. Herrandura 1 is being built by Chinese firms Goldwind and Dongfang respectively.

China is also already funding and supplying components for 22 solar power parks, expected to generate a combined 120 MW, with the first phase comprising seven solar parks yielding 35 MW, of which 3 are now in operation..

Now China has announced the construction of solar farms in Cuba will increase to 92, as part of a joint effort to address the island nation’s energy crisis. The projects, carried out in collaboration between Cuban and Chinese companies, will have the capacity to generate 2,200 MW of power (more than 20 MW each) and add this to the island’s National Electric System. Completion of these solar farms is estimated to occur by 2028.

Cuba’s Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, is reported to have stated that contracts for the generation of energy from renewable sources have been signed and are in progress. The Minister said that this additional generating capacity will allow Cuba to recover from the delay to reach its target 24% of electricity from renewable technologies, before 2030. This will avoid the need to import 750,000 tons of fuel.

Meanwhile construction has begun on another photovoltaic farm with a generation capacity of around 20 MW, making it the largest of its kind currently being built in the province of Holguín. The farm, which is due to be installed before the end of the 2024, will use technology from China and use 42,000 solar panels on 20 of the 32 hectares that the project will cover. Site preparation work was completed with the first delivery of structures on June 5, 2024.

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