Electricity in Cuba in 2022

As of 2022, the vast majority of Cuba's electricity, around 95%, is generated from fossil fuels, with nearly 9% specifically coming from gas. Only a small fraction, less than 5%, of Cuba’s electricity comes from low-carbon sources. Within this category, biofuels make up about 2.4%, while solar power contributes around 1.5%. This indicates a heavy reliance on fossil-based electricity, which has significant environmental impacts such as air pollution and increased greenhouse gas emissions.

Suggestions

To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Cuba can learn from the successful strategies of countries that have significantly developed their clean energy sectors. For instance, France generates approximately two-thirds of its electricity from nuclear energy, demonstrating the potential of nuclear as a stable and large-scale energy source. Similarly, Denmark and Uruguay generate significant portions of their electricity from wind energy, at around 61% and 36% respectively, showcasing the viability of wind energy in diversifying energy portfolios. By investing in nuclear and wind energy, Cuba can decrease its reliance on fossil fuels and move toward a more sustainable and greener electricity grid.

History

Historically, Cuba's journey with low-carbon electricity generation has included various fluctuations, especially in biofuels. From 1972 to the late 1990s, there were several minor increases and decreases in biofuel-generated electricity. Notably, the early 1990s experienced declines, most significantly with a reduction of 0.4 TWh in 1993. Solar electricity entered the scene in 2013 with a modest increase of 0.1 TWh, followed by another 0.1 TWh rise in 2018. Despite these efforts, these contributions remained minor. More recent years, such as 2021, show a slight decline in biofuels by 0.1 TWh, emphasizing the need for more robust and scalable clean energy solutions to enhance Cuba’s low-carbon electricity portfolio.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources