Electricity in Cuba in 2023
Currently, the electricity consumption in Cuba is overwhelmingly dependent on fossil energy, which accounts for more than 95% of the country's electricity generation. Within this category, a noticeable portion, over a tenth, comes from natural gas. On the other hand, clean or low-carbon energy sources are contributing only a small fraction to the electricity mix, just under 5%. Within this sector, biofuels and solar energy make up approximately 2% and 1% of the total electricity generation, respectively. This heavy reliance on fossil fuels not only impacts the environment due to emissions causing climate change but also signals potential vulnerabilities given the global push for sustainable and cleaner energy alternatives.
Is Electricity Growing in Cuba?
Analyzing the trend in Cuba's electricity consumption gives cause for concern about the country's advancements in its energy sector. Recent data for 2023 shows the average electricity consumption at 1387 kWh per person, which marks a decline from the 2018 peak of 1853 kWh per person. This signifies a downward change of 465 kWh per person. Additionally, low-carbon electricity generation has also decreased relative to its peak in 1990, which was 145 kWh per person. The current figure sits at just 65 kWh per person, representing a significant drop of 80 kWh. This decline in both total and clean electricity usage raises red flags about Cuba's progress towards sustainable energy goals and overall electricity availability, which are vital for driving both existing and future growth needs.
Suggestions
To address this challenge and bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Cuba can glean insights from various successful regions. For example, regions like Nevada and Lebanon have made notable strides with solar energy, achieving shares of 29% and 31% in their electricity generation respectively. Similarly, numerous countries have effectively integrated nuclear power; France and Slovakia stand out with nuclear contributions of more than 60%. Cuba should consider investing heavily in solar and nuclear power to emulate these successes. Embracing and expanding these clean energy sources can not only enhance Cuba's energy security but also significantly reduce its carbon footprint, contributing to a healthier environment.
History
Reflecting on the history of low-carbon electricity in Cuba provides insights into its development and areas for improvement. Through the decades, biofuel contributions to electricity have seen periods of both increase and decline, notably decreasing in the early 1970s and 1990s, showing a lack of consistent progression. While there were some positive gains in the late 1980s and sporadic increments in the years that followed, the overall pattern has been inconsistent. Solar energy began to emerge more recently, with small gains starting in 2013 and 2019. These historical shifts highlight the urgency for Cuba to implement more stable development policies focused on sustainable and clean energy sources, emphasizing the need to enhance and sustain growth especially in solar and nuclear sectors. Doing so would help fortify the country's electricity generation backbone, ensuring a forward-looking approach to meeting rising demands.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.