Electricity in Cuba in 2022

In 2022, Cuba's electricity consumption relies heavily on fossil fuels, with around 17.4 TWh generated from fossil sources and an additional 1.6 TWh from natural gas. Low-carbon sources, such as solar and biofuels, account for close to none of the total electricity generation. Per capita electricity generation in Cuba is significantly lower than the global average of 432 watts per person. The deficit in electricity generation can affect industrial growth, quality of life, and overall economic development, potentially resulting in frequent power outages and limited access to modern technology.

Suggestions

To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Cuba can draw lessons from various countries that have demonstrated successful adoption of green energy technologies. For example, China has made substantial strides in generating electricity through wind and solar, with 886 TWh from wind and 584 TWh from solar in 2022. Similarly, countries like Brazil and the United Kingdom have achieved significant wind generation, with 96 TWh and 82 TWh, respectively. By investing in both wind and solar technologies, Cuba could make a considerable impact on its clean energy landscape. Nuclear energy, as seen in the United States, France, and South Korea, has also proven to be a reliable and robust low-carbon source, contributing large amounts of clean electricity. By emulating these nations and fostering a supportive infrastructure and policy framework, Cuba could significantly increase its proportion of low-carbon electricity.

History

Historically, Cuba's low-carbon electricity generation has seen fluctuations, particularly in biofuels. In the early 1970s and again in the late 1980s, biofuels showed marginal increases. However, the 1990s saw a slight decline, with minor recovery attempts in the mid-1990s. Unfortunately, biofuels continued to experience negative changes into the early 2000s. Solar energy started to make a minor impact in 2013 and 2018 with incremental positive changes. Biofuels, however, has faced an ongoing struggle with inconsistency. Given the relatively minor changes and modest contributions from biofuels and solar over the decades, it is evident that committing to robust investments in nuclear, wind, and solar is a more promising strategy for Cuba's sustainable energy future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources