Electricity in Cuba in 2023
Currently, electricity consumption in Cuba largely depends on fossil fuels, which constitute more than 95% of its electricity mix, with gas alone making up over 13%. On the other hand, low-carbon energy sources contribute a small fraction of the electricity produced in Cuba, accounting for just under 5%. Biofuels make up a bit more than 2%, while solar energy contributes almost 1.5%. This heavy reliance on fossil fuels is concerning due to their well-documented impacts on climate change and air pollution. It highlights the pressing necessity for Cuba to expand its low-carbon electricity options to foster a more sustainable energy system.
Data sources used on this page include Ember, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Cuba?
When examining whether electricity consumption is growing in Cuba, the data paints a disappointing picture. In 2023, the electricity consumption per person was 1,387 kWh, down from the previous high in 2018 of 1,856 kWh. This represents a drop of almost 470 kWh per person, suggesting a significant decline. Furthermore, low-carbon electricity generation has also seen a reduction; at 65 kWh per person most recently, this is a decrease of 80 kWh from the low-carbon peak in 1990. These trends are concerning and indicate a need for renewed focus and investment to reverse the declines and ensure a growing supply of clean electricity.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Cuba can learn from regions with significant achievements in this realm. Solar energy, heavily used by countries like North Macedonia (producing almost 50% of its electricity from solar) and states such as California and Nevada (over 30%), presents an attractive option due to Cuba's favorable climate for solar power. Likewise, nuclear energy has been leveraged successfully by countries like France and Slovakia, each generating more than 65% of their electricity through this route. Emulating these examples, Cuba can diversify its energy portfolio, reduce its fossil fuel dependency, and significantly scale up its clean electricity production.
History
Looking at the history of low-carbon electricity in Cuba, the data reveals fluctuating fortunes, particularly with biofuels, which have experienced numerous ups and downs over the decades. The sporadic increases seen in the late 1970s and late 1980s, followed by declines in the early 1990s and mid-2000s, paint a picture of inconsistency without sustained growth. Solar energy, although not yet significant in output, has started to contribute in the recent years with modest growth observed in 2018. Cuba's energy journey underscores the need for consistent and substantial investment in low-carbon technologies, particularly emphasizing nuclear and solar in modern energy transitions.
