Electricity in Cuba in 2022

In 2022, Cuba's electricity consumption was predominantly driven by fossil energy, accounting for more than 95% of the total, with gas contributing around 9% to this share. In stark contrast, low-carbon energy sources made up only a small fraction of Cuba's electricity generation, at just under 5%. Biofuels contributed a little over 2%, while solar energy accounted for nearly 1.5%. These figures highlight a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, which unfortunately contribute to climate change and air pollution. The low share of clean electricity signals an urgent need for Cuba to transition towards more sustainable energy sources to ensure a cleaner and more secure energy future.

Suggestions

To boost its low-carbon electricity capacity, Cuba can draw inspiration from countries that have successfully integrated substantial amounts of sustainable energy sources. For instance, Uruguay has a similar profile to Cuba and has achieved around a third of its electricity from wind power, showcasing the potential of wind energy as a reliable clean energy source. Similarly, countries such as Greece and Chile have advanced solar electricity capacities, generating about a fifth of their electricity from solar energy. Cuba could also look to the successful deployment of nuclear energy in countries like France, Slovakia, and Ukraine, who derive between 55% to 68% of their electricity from stable and clean nuclear sources. By adopting policies and investing in technologies that support wind, solar, and nuclear power, Cuba can vastly improve its low-carbon electricity generation and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity in Cuba shows moderate fluctuations, particularly concerning biofuels, with some minor ups and downs over the decades. Between the 1970s and 2000s, the biofuels sector experienced small incremental changes, with occasional brief declines such as in 1991 and 1995. In more recent years, from 2005 onwards, biofuels saw a period of slight decreases interspersed with some increments. Meanwhile, solar energy began being introduced into Cuba's electricity mix in 2013, with modest increments in subsequent years, such as in 2018. These patterns suggest that while Cuba has made attempts to integrate low-carbon electricity sporadically through biofuels and solar, the overall scale and impact have been limited, indicating a requisite shift towards more robust and diverse clean energy strategies.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources