In 2023, Cuba relied on fossil fuels for about 95% of its electricity consumption, including roughly 13% from gas. Low-carbon sources supplied less than 5%, with biofuels contributing about 2% and solar just over 1%. This leaves clean electricity with only a small role and Cuba heavily dependent on fossil fuels, which contribute to climate change and air pollution.

Is Electricity Growing in Cuba?

Cuba’s electricity consumption is well below its historical peak rather than setting new records. In 2023, consumption was about 1,390 kWh per person, roughly 470 kWh—or a quarter—below the 2018 record of about 1,860 kWh. Low-carbon electricity generation was also far below its peak: just 65 kWh per person, compared with 145 kWh in 1990, a decline of about 55%. These figures show a concerning retreat from earlier highs, although they alone do not establish the change from 2022 to 2023. Expanding clean electricity is important to support electrification and future demand.

Suggestions

Cuba should prioritize solar expansion while exploring wind and considering nuclear electricity as a longer-term source of reliable, low-carbon supply. Relevant island examples include the US state of Hawaii and Cyprus, where solar supplies about 23% of electricity, and Cape Verde, where solar and wind each contribute around 14%. Cuba could learn from these places when developing solar projects, strengthening its grid and integrating storage. Uruguay, with roughly a third of its electricity from wind, offers another useful regional example. For nuclear electricity, France’s roughly two-thirds share demonstrates its potential to supply clean electricity at scale; Cuba should assess how international partnerships, workforce development and long-term planning could support a suitable nuclear program.

History

The supplied historical changes show that Cuba’s low-carbon electricity development has largely involved fluctuations in biofuel generation, with a small solar gain appearing later. Biofuel output fell by 0.2 TWh in 1972, followed by gains of 0.1 TWh in both 1978 and 1988. The 1990s brought considerable volatility: a 0.2 TWh increase in 1990 was followed by several declines, including 0.4 TWh in 1993, with partial recoveries in 1996 and 1999. Further declines in 2003 and 2005 outweighed a modest gain in 2008. Small increases in 2012–2013 followed a decline in 2010; in 2018, solar grew by 0.1 TWh while biofuels fell by 0.2 TWh. Additional biofuel declines in 2021 and 2022 underline the need for sustained expansion of solar and other clean electricity sources.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade