Electricity in Cuba in 2023
As of 2023, electricity consumption in Cuba remains largely reliant on fossil fuels, which constitute more than 95% of the total electricity generation. Gas alone is responsible for over 13% of fossil-based electricity. In contrast, low-carbon sources, which include biofuels and solar energy, contribute less than 5% to the overall electricity mix. Specifically, biofuels account for just over 2%, and solar energy makes up a little more than 1%. These figures indicate a significant opportunity for Cuba to shift towards more sustainable, cleaner energy solutions, reducing its heavy dependence on fossil fuels which are notorious for contributing to climate change and air pollution.
Is Electricity Growing in Cuba?
Recent data shows a concerning decline in electricity consumption in Cuba. In 2023, the per capita consumption stood at approximately 1387 kWh, a significant decrease from the record high of 1853 kWh per person in 2018. This decline of nearly 500 kWh per person suggests stagnation, or even a regression, in the access to or use of electricity, which is worrisome given the importance of electricity in modern economies. Moreover, low-carbon electricity generation has decreased further, with the latest figures at 65 kWh per person, dropping from a previous peak of 145 kWh per person in 1990. This downward trend emphasizes the urgency for effective measures to boost clean energy generation to meet future demand and support sustainable economic development.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Cuba could immensely profit from adopting strategies employed by regions with successful solar and nuclear energy programs. Countries like Lebanon and Greece have demonstrated the potential of solar energy, achieving generation shares of over 20%. With Cuba's abundant sunlight, solar power stands out as a promising avenue. Additionally, the immense success in nuclear energy generation seen in countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear accounts for 69% and 64% of their electricity, respectively, presents a strong case for Cuba to consider nuclear energy. By investing in solar and nuclear power, Cuba can build a more diverse and resilient energy portfolio to significantly reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, thus driving its transition towards a cleaner energy future.
History
Cuba's historical journey with low-carbon electricity has had its ups and downs, especially evident in its biofuel sector. In the early 1970s through to the 1990s, biofuels underwent fluctuating changes, with marginal increases followed by more pronounced declines, particularly noticeable in the early 1990s with a significant decrease in output. The early 2000s echoed this pattern with further reductions. While solar energy only began to register in records from 2013, with incremental improvements in subsequent years, it remains underutilized. Observing this history, it's clear that more consistent and proactive efforts are needed to stabilize and grow Cuba's low-carbon electricity production, with focused attention on integrating robust solar and potentially nuclear infrastructure.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.