New Initiative in Sancti Spíritus to Diversify the Energy Mix
Parque Fotovoltaico instalación y Montaje
The installation of nearly 50 percent of the planned solar panels at the Guasimal Expansion Photovoltaic Solar Park represents a major milestone in two 2.2 MW projects currently underway in Sancti Spíritus province, aimed at increasing the use of renewable energy sources.
According to Ronald Linares Acosta, director of the local Renewable Energy Business Unit, the installation of photovoltaic modules is progressing at the aforementioned site, while construction work continues at the Los Cristales park, located in the municipality of Trinidad.
“These two projects began in 2018 but were stalled due to issues with credit; however, those credit matters began to be resolved late last year. They are part of the ‘100 MW program’—under which 4 MW capacity was already installed at Guasimal, 4 MW at Neiva, and 2 MW at Yaguajay. These current projects—the 2 MW Guasimal Expansion and the 2 MW Los Cristales park in Trinidad—will mark the completion of that program in the province.”
Once both projects are finished, Sancti Spíritus will be able to meet the equivalent of 80 percent of its electricity demand during the midday peak using photovoltaic energy—a contribution that will help reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
“Each park requires 4,896 solar panels, with each panel rated at 450 watts. As of yesterday, 2,100 of the total panels had already been installed at Guasimal. Progress at Los Cristales is slightly further behind; we still need to pour the concrete foundations for 38 mounting structures before we can begin installing the panels there.”
“If we do the math, we already have 60 MW installed across large-scale solar farms. With an additional 20 megawatts to be installed, we will reach a total of over 80 megawatts of installed photovoltaic capacity within the province.”
Executing these projects also requires technical preparation for the specialists and operators involved in installing the inverters and associated systems.
“Since the early days—starting with the La Sierpe solar farm in 2016—we have had specialists working on these installations who have gained experience not only within this province but also by providing support elsewhere. When the country began installing its first 21.8 MW-capacity solar farms, our teams were in Havana to assist with those projects, and we also provided support in Villa Clara.”
Beyond the 4.4 megawatts they will add to the National Electric System, the Guasimal and Cristales solar farms in Sancti Spíritus province represent a commitment to diversifying Cuba’s energy matrix and harnessing a natural resource readily available in the country.
