Cuba’s Untapped Wind Power Potential: 21 Favorable Zones Identified
Cuban experts have identified 21 zones across the island nation with favorable conditions for installing wind farms. This revelation comes after decades of energy struggles and frequent power outages, highlighting the untapped potential of renewable energy sources in Cuba.
The majority of these suitable areas are located along the north-central and eastern coasts of the archipelago, particularly in provinces stretching from Camagüey to Holguín. Additional favorable zones have been pinpointed in the southern region of eastern Cuba and the southwestern portion of Pinar del Río province.
Quantifying Cuba’s Wind Energy Capacity
Alfredo Rodríguez, a Master of Science and coordinator of the Renewable Energy Sources Group at the Institute of Meteorology, estimates that Cuba’s technically installable potential for electricity generation from wind power is approximately 1,100 megawatts (MW). This significant figure underscores the considerable opportunity for sustainable energy production on the island.
Despite the promising outlook, Cuba faces several challenges in harnessing its wind energy potential. The state-run newspaper Granma cites “severe financial limitations” allegedly caused by the U.S. embargo as a major hurdle. Additionally, Cuba’s inclusion on the U.S. State Sponsors of Terrorism list is mentioned as another factor impeding progress in the renewable energy sector.
Dr. Conrado Moreno, a professor at the Center for the Study of Renewable Energy Technologies at the José Antonio Echeverría Technological University of Havana, advocates for a pragmatic approach given Cuba’s economic constraints. He suggests focusing on medium-power wind turbines, which range from 100 to 1,000 kilowatts (kW), as a viable solution for the immediate future.
Current and Future Wind Power Projects in Cuba
The largest wind turbines currently operating in Cuba are 850 kW units located in the Gibara 1 Wind Farm in Holguín province. However, more ambitious projects are on the horizon. The planned Herradura 1 and Herradura 2 wind farms in Las Tunas province will feature turbines with capacities of 1,500 kW and 2,500 kW, respectively. These projects, totaling 54 machines, represent an unprecedented scale for wind energy in Cuba.
Advantages of Medium-Power Wind Turbines
Dr. Moreno highlights several benefits of medium-power wind turbines:
- Easy integration into various renewable energy projects
- Suitability for self-consumption and distributed generation
- Simpler installation, operation, transportation, and maintenance
- Reduced environmental and visual impact compared to larger turbines
- Smaller space requirements
Cuba’s Energy Crisis and Misplaced Priorities
While many countries have long embraced renewable energy sources, Cuba’s regime has only recently begun to emphasize their importance in the face of severe energy shortages. Daily power outages and service disruptions have become commonplace, exacerbated by a dire economic crisis.
Critics argue that instead of properly maintaining or replacing obsolete thermoelectric infrastructure, the Cuban government has prioritized investments in hotels and tourist centers to generate foreign currency. This approach has not only neglected the power generation sector but also hindered the development of vital areas such as healthcare, education, agriculture, livestock, and industry.
