In 2023, the state of electricity consumption in Cuba is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with more than 95% of electricity generated from such sources. Specifically, gas contributes over 13% to this fossil fuel dependency. Only a small portion of Cuba's electricity generation, about 4.7%, is derived from low-carbon sources. Among these, biofuels account for a little over 2%, while solar energy barely surpasses 1%. This heavy reliance on fossil fuels could contribute to environmental concerns like air pollution and climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for Cuba to transition toward more sustainable low-carbon electricity sources.

Is Electricity Growing in Cuba?

Currently, electricity consumption in Cuba is experiencing a notable decrease. In 2023, electricity consumption was at 1387 kWh per person, seeing a sharp drop from its peak of 1856 kWh per person in 2018. This represents a decline of around 25%, or 468 kWh per person. Additionally, low-carbon electricity generation has seen a significant downturn. The 2023 levels are at 65 kWh per person, a reduction of 80 kWh per person since the last low-carbon peak in 1990. This downward trend in electricity consumption, especially in low-carbon sources, indicates a concerning stagnation that could hinder Cuba's economic and technological progression.

Suggestions

To address the challenges in increasing low-carbon electricity generation, Cuba can draw lessons from successful regions that have made significant advancements in clean energy. For instance, France and Slovakia have achieved impressive results through nuclear energy, with both countries generating more than half of their electricity cleanly this way. Meanwhile, Nevada and California have emerged as leaders in solar energy, both generating over 30% of their electricity through solar power. By investing in nuclear and solar infrastructure, Cuba could effectively reduce its dependency on fossil fuels, transitioning to a cleaner and more sustainable electricity future that supports climate goals and enhances national energy security.

History

Historically, low-carbon electricity generation in Cuba has been inconsistent. During the 1970s and 1980s, minor fluctuations in biofuels generation were observed. The 1990s saw occasional increases, but declines dominated the narrative towards the late 1990s and early 2000s, with minor positive shifts. Biofuels saw reductions by about 0.4 TWh twice across this timeline, marking periods of significant decline. In more recent years, there have been occasional declines and minor upticks in biofuels production, while solar energy made a slight emergence in 2018. Overall, the historical data reflects a pattern of inconsistency and underutilization of low-carbon resources, particularly lacking the sustained growth and strategic investment seen in regions with robust clean electricity generation. This underscores the critical need for sustained investment in more reliable and impactful green energy sources, notably nuclear and solar, to ensure a prosperous energy future for Cuba.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade