Cuba's current state of electricity consumption is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, which account for over 95% of the electricity generated, including a significant portion of gas at a little over 13%. In contrast, clean energy sources make up just under 5% of electricity generation, with biofuels providing a modest contribution and solar accounting for nearly 1.5%. This heavy dependency on fossil fuels has implications not only for Cuba’s environmental commitments but also for its energy security and public health due to the impacts of climate change and air pollution associated with such sources.

Data sources used on this page include Ember, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in Cuba?

Unfortunately, the overall trend in Cuba’s electricity consumption is one of decline, rather than growth. The current figure for total electricity consumption stands at approximately 1387 kWh per person, a noticeable drop from the previous high of 1856 kWh per person recorded in 2018. This represents a significant decrease, underscoring a challenge for the nation to stimulate growth in energy consumption, especially clean energy types essential for sustainable development. Additionally, the generation of low-carbon electricity is also lagging, with current values around 65 kWh per person, which is significantly lower than past records such as that from 1990, which stood at 145 kWh per person.

Suggestions

For Cuba to enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, it could look to successful regions around the world as examples. Regions like Nevada and California demonstrate how solar energy can significantly contribute to the energy mix, making up 34% and 31% respectively of their electricity generation. Countries such as Denmark and Uruguay have harnessed wind energy effectively, with 60% and 33% of their respective electricity from this clean source. Nuclear energy also offers a reliable low-carbon alternative, as seen in France and Slovakia, where nuclear power constitutes more than two-thirds of their electricity generation. By focusing on expanding solar and nuclear capacity, Cuba can reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and foster a more sustainable energy future.

History

Historically, Cuba's journey in low-carbon electricity generation has seen fluctuations, predominantly in the use of biofuels. In the 1970s, biofuels saw modest changes, with occasional increases and decreases. The 1990s were marked by a mix of expansions and setbacks in biofuels, reflecting inconsistent growth. The early 2000s saw reductions, while the years following 2010 depicted minor but positive increments, suggesting some ability for recovery. Unfortunately, the introduction of solar was negligible until 2018, when it increased slightly. Despite these historical incremental changes, there remains a critical need for Cuba to accelerate its transition towards more consistent and robust low-carbon electricity generation strategies.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade