“The damage suffered by the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines in international waters of the Baltic Sea is very worrying. All currently available information indicates that it is the result of deliberate, reckless and irresponsible acts of sabotage,” reads the bloc’s statement. military.

The alliance pointed out risks to navigation and considerable environmental damage as a result of the act.

“We support the ongoing investigations to determine the origin of the damage,” he said before expressing his commitment to deterrence and defense “against the coercive use of energy and other hybrid tactics by state and non-state actors.”

Meanwhile, the German security organs recognized today the possibility of large explosions as the cause of leaks registered in pipes of the Russian North Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines.

To create such a magnitude of damage, explosives equivalent to 500 kilograms of TNT had to be used, says the daily Der Spiegel. This is also based on several seismic monitoring centers, says the publication.

The company North Stream AG referred last Tuesday to unprecedented destruction in the three pipes of the aforementioned gas pipelines, indicated Berlin television.

Even the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, who advocates suspending purchases of hydrocarbons from Russia, had to describe these incidents as sabotage.

Von der Leye stressed that the willful violation of Europe’s energy infrastructure was unacceptable and would lead to the most severe response measures, she stated.

The Russian Embassy in the United States commented this Thursday on its social networks the attempts of some US legislators to blame Russia for the incidents that occurred in the Nord Stream gas pipelines, highlighting that, in reality, there are facts that may indicate the opposite.

Thus, he mentioned the activity of US warships a day before there is a failure in the Russian infrastructure there, as well as the US Navy exercises with underwater explosives that were carried out in the Same area a while ago.

In this way, the Embassy raised the question: “Who benefits from the rupture of the gas pipelines?”. According to the legation, “the answer is on the surface.”

On the same day, the spokeswoman for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, María Zajárova, assured that the emergencies in the Nord Stream gas transportation system took place in an area controlled by the United States secret services.

“It’s the commercial and economic zone of Denmark and Sweden, and these are two very NATO-focused countries that are riddled with American weapons, these are the same countries that are completely controlled by American intelligence services. They are absolutely and precisely under the control of the US intelligence services, which are in total control of the situation there,” he said.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov recalled on Wednesday the statements made by US President Joe Biden last February, when he promised that he would put an end to Nord Stream 2.

In this regard, Zajárova maintained that the US president “is obliged to answer the question of whether the United States carried out its threat on September 25 and 26, 2022.”

The spokeswoman stressed that “the declaration of intent was backed by a promise” and that “one has to take responsibility for his words.” “Not understanding what is said does not exempt from responsibility. Europe must know the truth!”, she concluded.

In addition, the spokeswoman announced that Moscow intends to convene a meeting of the UN Security Council to deal with the issue of breakdowns.
The news about the leaks did not take long to generate all kinds of reactions.

“As we say in Polish, a small thing, but a lot of joy,” former Polish Foreign Minister and current MEP Radoslaw Sikorski wrote on his Twitter account.

He also retweeted a video from the first days of February in which US President Joe Biden threatened to end Nord Stream 2. “If Russia invades (Ukraine)… then there will be no Nord Stream 2. We will end it.” said the president.

Finally, he published another tweet with the comment: “Thank you, USA”, along with a photo showing the size of the leak on the surface of the Baltic Sea. “Is it an official statement of a terrorist attack?” María Zajárova reacted on her Telegram account, after Sikorski’s publications.

(With information from RT in Spanish and Prensa Latina)

This view has been emphasized and substantiated by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez.

We have an economic and social development strategy, approved in the last two congresses of the Communist Party of Cuba. In addition, there is the Conceptualization of our Socio-Economic Model and the foundations for the preparation of the National Plan through 2030, directed toward long term development, commented the President of Cuba’s Councils of State and Ministers.

Also, in a democratic, broad-based effort this year, he recalled, the country approved a new Constitution, and in October new government authorities will be elected, in accordance with the new Magna Carta.

These have been processes that have had majority support from the population and provide a programmatic basis for the present and the future. Cuba is not helpless, nor isolated, he insisted.

THE CUBAN ECONOMY IS STABLE

We cannot speak of a new Special Period as long as the central core of the country’s energy system remains stable, the Cuban President stated.

In fact, “National industry guarantees 40% of the country’s fuel, production that allows for the operation of our thermoelectric plants,” he explained.

The challenge is to ensure fuel for other processes that, among other things, are involved in the performance of thermoelectric plants, he said.

Tourism also remains strong. This sector continues to accommodate visitors in the country’s more than 70,000 hotel rooms and financial tensions have not prevented hard currency from entering the country every day.

“Even though the United States denies its own citizens’ right to travel to Cuba,” Díaz-Canel stated, “the island remains a preferred destination among travelers of all nationalities.”

This sector has maintained consistent levels in recent years, despite a slight decrease caused by the U.S. administration’s ban on cruise ship stops here.

On the other hand, the Cuban President noted, Cuba’s main investors and allies such as the European Union – which has proposed defending its investors in the country from sanctions imposed by the U.S. blockade – have not withdrawn. This was made evident recently when a Spanish court dismissed a lawsuit against Meliá Hotels International.

During Cuba’s last Tourism Fair, he recalled, “We met with businesspeople from different parts of the world, including the U.S. – showing that Cuba keeps the dialogue going constantly.”

Both the medical services and pharmaceuticals sectors continue to generate income in a stable fashion.

“The pharmaceutical industry has maintained growth since its creation, in the 90s, during the Special Period. Today will be no different. Despite the energy situation we are facing, it remains productive and with export capacity. In addition, foreign investment in products such as nickel, tobacco, and other lines has been energized,” said Díaz-Canel.

According to the President, today the country has as a strength a more diversified economy and superior construction capability, maintaining economic relations with Venezuela, Russia, China, the European Union, several African countries, and many others.

He recalled that in these last few weeks, Canada’s foreign minister, as well as representatives from the European Union and the Vatican, visited Havana. Cuba is not isolated, he stressed; it is a country viewed with admiration and respect around the world.

We now have diversified markets, Díaz-Canel recalled. Before we were practically dependent on the sugar market. We also have the previous experience of confronting the most difficult moments of the Special Period, and “Our victory showed that it could be done, that, yes, it is possible, and yes, it will be possible.”

A CONJUNCTURAL SITUATION, CONJUNCTURAL MEASURES

Another view our adversaries try to promote is that the situation is the result of poor management and incompetency on the part of the Cuban government.

We have a lot to resolve, Díaz-Canel acknowledged, but this particular situation has nothing to do with us. It is a result of arbitrary measures adopted by the United States, directed against our population, exposing the idea that they want to help the Cuban people. If the people are suffering, it is because of the United States government.

The Cuban government, he said, is working to improve the people’s situation; this is made clear by the measures that have been implemented, despite our limitations.

He mentioned salary increases; revitalization of the economy; improvements in rail transport; measures to controls prices and avoid inflation; ensuring the availability of all essential resources for the opening of a new school year; overcoming food shortages in the first months of the year; and steps taken to limit the impact on the generation of electricity.

All measures implemented to address these problems have had a positive impact, he said.

Despite the efforts, however, the President reported, the arrival of oil tankers on schedule was not achieved during these days. Given this situation, two important moments must be faced.

First, he continued, is the one we are experiencing now, that will last through September 14, because no fuel will enter until that date. We must make adjustments and save, to mitigate this setback; but on the 14th, he stressed, fuel will arrive. The next shipments arrive at the end of September.

Thus, he said, we must maintain savings and efficiency measures so that this fuel lasts until the end of the month, at which point vessels are scheduled to arrive, and allow us to stabilize the situation.

“The next shipments arrive at the end of September which means we have to cut back now. The good news is that all the contracts that we need to guarantee the month of October are negotiated, so we continue working to improve the situation, today (September 11) through the weekend.”

Then, he said, we will face a stage with more room to maneuver, but we must continue adopting measures, even though the situation is short-term. “We must use this time to outline strategies, aware that this situation may be repeated. This is training for any situation, no matter how complex it may be.”

The President reiterated that there is no reason for alarm at the moment; there are no other products in short supply.

Possible effects, he said, may be felt in the distribution of some products, since this involves the availability of diesel fuel for transportation. We only have problems in some sectors and must adopt measures.

Regarding the generation of electricity, he said that if we can “flatten” the demand during peak hours, power outages can be avoided, but we must conserve to the maximum.

He likewise referred to an energy plan that will be explained in detail and that, in all likelihood, electrical challenges would not appear until the 15th, although outages may occur.

If necessary, he emphasized, an information plan on power cuts will be implemented, but this will in no way compare to what the country experienced during the Special Period.

The President expressed confidence that government actions are reducing the negative impact of the current situation, which may be repeated given the aggressiveness of the United States.

(Granma)

The document is aimed at expanding collaborative efforts to strengthen and coordinate joint efforts in the struggle against climate change, mitigate its adverse effects, protect natural resources by reducing vulnerabilities and achieve a sustainable, low-carbon economy.

Rosell Guerra Campaña, director of Minem’s Renewable Energies department, who signed the memorandum on behalf of Cuba, explained that now work will begin to propose joint projects to improve electrical services in some of the island’s rural areas through the use of solar technology.

He noted that the document also gives experts from the two countries the opportunity to exchange practical experiences, training, technology-transfers, and technical assistance.

We hope that this memorandum will become a positive example of bilateral cooperation and make an important contribution to Cuba’s development through renewable energy and the efficient use of electricity, highlighted Guerra Campaña.

Signing for Italy was Director General of the Ministry of Environment, Sea, and Land, Francesco La Camera, who was accompanied by Andrea Ferrari, the country’s ambassador to Cuba.

(Granma)

The country has taken important steps toward meeting this ambitious goal, but there is much to be done, and more than a few challenges to be overcome. To better understand the situation, Granma spoke with Luis Hilario Bérriz Pérez PhD, president of the state enterprise Cubasolar, who believes, “We can become a leader in terms of renewable resources, as we are in many other areas.”
Before focusing on the issue of renewable resources, could you comment on some of the strengths of our energy policy.

The national energy policy has changed, I would even say radically, and one of the events that showed this was Irma. In the wake of the hurricane, the country was left at zero in terms of electrical generation. This is the first time that has happened. But by a week later, Havana had reestablished 95% of its service, and the country had practically 100% of its electricity within a month.

This can sometimes be perceived as normal, something we’re used to. But we can understand the difference when we look at Puerto Rico, since despite the United States being one of the world’s most powerful empires, the island still has not recovered in terms of energy, since Hurricane Maria hit. This reflects several issues and the first is, without a doubt, the social system. This happens here because we have demonstrated that we have a highly resilient energy policy, based essentially on distributed generating that lends itself to a very rapid recovery.

Beyond this undeniable reality, we know that demand for energy in Cuba is growing, making clear the need to search for alternatives, such as the use of natural gas, biogas, and renewable resources, to ensure the country’s economic sustainability…

That’s right. In 2017, 58% of energy use was concentrated in the residential sector, and moreover, the greatest portion of this energy was used for cooking and refrigeration. Some experiments and statistical analysis have shown that, for example, expanding sales of bottled gas could allow for a reduction in the maximum demand of around 360 MW.

Another very interesting fact is that, Cuba’s territory, of about 111,000 square kilometers, receives solar radiation equivalent o the energy produced by 50 million tons of oil, everyday. That is, the solar radiation Cuba receives in a single day, is greater – in its energy value – than all the oil consumed in five years. Imagine the impact, if we were able to take advantage of this incredible potential, to use increasingly more of our own energy resources.

The estimated projection is that by 2030, renewable resources will be used to generate 24% of the country’s electricity, and these could provide for 60% of the growth in consumption.

Among the terms used in relation to the issue is making our homes and state institutions “energy-plus” sites. What does that mean?

To explain this aspect, we must refer to Decree-Law 345, “On the development of renewable resources and efficient use of energy.” This regulatory framework allows for something I would call a revolution within our Energy Revolution. To date we have been thinking about consumption, and this decree is telling us that we can become producers of energy, that the electric company can buy the energy we are able to produce.

Of course, to do this, knowledge and resources are indispensable. For example, if I want to have hot water in my house, using solar energy, either I need a heater, or I need resources and information to make a heater. Or if I want to become an energy producer, I need a photovoltaic panel. Therefore, another big challenge is the production of these elements by our national industry.

This decree also allows for the gradual elimination of obstacles and customs tariffs on importing equipment that operates with renewable resources, or resources for their construction.

A change of mentality, and lots of information, are very much needed, because we have learned to protect ourselves from the sun and use oil, but it’s time to change this behavior and take advantage of the infinite possibilities of solar energy.
But using the energy is not enough, it must be collected and stored, right?

Storage is an indispensable element if we want to become a country of producers and not of net consumers. For example, if you ask most local authorities about the energy they have at their disposal, they talk to you about the national plan, what is allocated to them, but this what is given to them, not what they have. The energy you really have at your disposal is that you have managed to accumulate.

Accumulation must be based on the final use. If you need water, you need to collect water. If you need light, you need to collect and store electricity.

To get an idea of what this means, we could explain to people that the radiation their houses receive, on just one square meter of their roof, is equivalent to their home’s entire monthly consumption. This is where the local factor comes into play, because this process must take place at your house, at mine…
Considering the principles of sustainable development, could we say that it has a direct relationship to our socialist social system?

I use a formula that for me is the answer to that question: Renewable Energy Sources + Accumulation of Energy + Socialism = Sustainable Development. Anyone can talk about sustainable development, but it is not a capitalist concept. It is a concept that necessarily involves human solidarity, in which the social being is always placed above money.

DECREE-LAW 345

- Article 6. The production of equipment, means, and replacement parts for the development of renewable sources of energy, and those needed to increase efficiency in the use of electrical energy and fuel, constitutes a strategic objective for the nation’s industry.

- Article 7. New construction undertaken as part of investment projects, will use architectural designs that contribute to energy savings, in accordance with what has been established in current legislation.

- Article 8. Individuals and incorporated entities can acquire equipment using renewable energy sources and others that allow the efficient use of energy at moderate prices, or through bank loans, in accordance with principles established in current legislation for the granting of credit.

- Article 10.1. Incorporated entities which import raw materials, components, parts, pieces, equipment, and accessories for the execution of an investment projects, or which fabricate equipment, devices, and spare parts for the use of renewable energy sources, will enjoy tariff exemptions, following procedures established by the Ministry of Finances and Prices.

- Article 15.1. The Ministry of Energy and Mines will promote the production of energy by consumers, including the residential sector, on the basis of technologies that take advantage of renewable energy sources to allow for self sufficiency and sales of any surplus to the national electric grid.

- Article 15.2. The Electric Union will buy all electricity generated with renewable sources of energy produced by independent producers, as long as established technical norms are observed.

(Granma)

It is well-known that 99% of the country’s oil production takes place in the region between Havana and Matanzas, where despite being under exploitation for almost 50 years, oilfields still contain reserves of some six billion barrels.

Also mentioned in GI previously is the fact that the country generates 95% of its electricity using fossil fuels, and that the greatest part of the country’s territory, coastal and deep waters offers prospects for oil exploration.

Moreover, despite the ongoing development of renewable energy resources, oil is being called upon to play a determinant role in the replacement of imports.

What then are the alternatives, to address what Minister of Economy and Planning

Ricardo Cabrisas described in the National Assembly of People’s Power, last December, as “serious limitations” in the supply of fuel?

In what ways, one might ask, can the country find ways to halt the tendency toward decreasing production of crude oil, given the decline in areas under exploitation for decades, where no new fields have been found since the beginning of the century?

On one hand, the 2016 economic balance sheet, and that planned for 2017, have allowed for some growth in the supply of electricity and gas. According to Cabrisas, given insistence on efficiently using energy resources, an increase of almost 7% in consumption was possible.

On the other hand, 2017 production is projected to approach 3.538 million tons of oil and gas equivalent – a figure which over the past few years has been closer to four million – along with growth of 4.2% in the generation of electricity, as compared to the previous year.

It is expected that residential consumption will represent 58.8% of the country’s total, and that usage of liquefied gas, fuel oil, and kerosene for cooking will be maintained.

In terms of renewable energy, an increase is projected, fundamentally due to the contribution made by sugar cane biomass and expansion of photovoltaic parks.

BIOMASS AND OTHER RENEWABLE SOURCES

A change in Cuba’s energy profile, like the revitalization of the oil industry, will depend significantly on the country’s ability to attract international investment to the energy sector.

For example, to reach 2030 with 24% of the country’s energy needs met with renewable resources, when the current figure is 4%, will require a greater contribution from biomass.

With a look toward providing more electricity to the national electrical grid, the country’s 2016-2017 Portfolio of Business Opportunities for foreign investment includes as possibilities 19 bioelectric plants in sugar mills, which would operate eight months a year with sugar cane biomass, and the rest of the year with residual woody biomass. These could reduce emissions of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere by 1.7 million tons, given less combustion of fossil fuels.

In terms of the promising potential for eolic energy in Cuba, noteworthy is a proposed network of 88 automatic stations measuring wind speeds at a height of 50 meters in 32 areas around the country, along with 12 weather stations which could gather information at altitudes of up to 100 meters.

Based on studies by the Electric Union, included in the portfolio of investment opportunities is the improvement of the country’s 13 functioning eolic parks, which could cut emissions by some 900,000 tons of carbon dioxide.

Likewise, an analysis of the potential for solar energy in the country has allowed for the identification of areas with the best prospects for the construction of photovoltaic parks, while the portfolio prioritizes those which could be built as part of the isolated electrical systems serving tourist resorts on remote keys.

The country has a facility producing solar panels located in Pinar del Río, which is seeking international partners to finance an increase in production.

Meanwhile, the construction of 74 small hydroelectric plants associated with the country’s reservoirs, rivers, and canals have been planned, looking to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 230,000 tons by lowering the use of fossil fuels.

Related investment opportunities include the fabrication of turbines, other components, and replacement parts.

Also highlighted as options for investment is the production of clean energy with the significant volume of organic waste generated by the pork, beef, and poultry industries, as well as residuals from sugar mills and food processing plants, which would additionally reduce water contamination.

At the close of 2016, the volume of potentially useful organic residuals was estimated at more than 490 million cubic meters, from the meat and food industries, along with solid waste generated in urban areas.

A MORE EFFICIENT OIL INDUSTRY

Experts have noted that given the predominant use of domestic crude and fuel oil in the generation of electricity, the industry has been able to guarantee stability on the national grid, without depending entirely on imported resources.

Although dozens of fields have been discovered in Cuba, the majority of them contain extra heavy oil. While light, medium, and very light oil does exist, information in the portfolio of investment opportunities – updated for the second time in 2016 – indicates that “fields are located principally offshore and are reached from the mainland via horizontal drilling, which allows not only access to the field, but greater productivity, as well.”

While Cupet seeks to modernize its existing refineries and raise the quality of domestically produced gasoline to meet international standards, the company is focusing its efforts on the search for new oilfields; enhanced recovery in those long under exploitation; stable production; and the development of fields in the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone in the Gulf of Mexico.

Discussing the main opportunities the company has proposed, Cupet adjunct director Roberto Suárez listed as options shared production contracts in offshore blocs, coastal waters, or on land, and those for improving or increasing production; work on non-conventional sources; oil infrastructure; the development of technical and financial services; as well as the provision of specialized supplies.

Among these priorities, particular emphasis has been placed on increasing storage capacity and improving operational logistics, he said.

The expert recalled that the National Office of Mineral Resources regulates such activity, as the state entity authorized to approve investors considering participation in the country’s oil industry, adding that every contract is approved and protected by a government resolution.

In terms of refining, proposed projects include work on Cuba’s four existing refineries: one in the central region devoted primarily to the production of high-quality asphalt with domestic crude; one in Cienfuegos, a joint venture between Cupet and Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A., which is currently undergoing an investment process; and those of Santiago de Cuba and Havana.

EXPLORATION

This past November, Cupet signed a contract with the Chinese company BGP to begin a non-exclusive 2D seismic testing effort in Cuban waters, to initiate a project central to the industry’s development plans, which includes the acquisition, processing, and interpretation of data gathered in 25,000 kilometers of high resolution seismic lines in areas of the Gulf Exclusive Economic Zone, as well as areas in waters off the northern, central, and southern coasts.

The project undertaken with one the world leaders in this type of testing will require approximately 12 months, and is the largest of its kind to be conducted in Cuba to date, and will allow for the identification and evaluation of areas with potential for exploration.

With the same bedrock and geology found in other Gulf of Mexico oil fields, the 20 blocs in Cuba’s Exclusive Economic Zone could potentially produce between 10 and 20 million barrels.

CUPET ALSO LOOKING TO MARIEL

Suárez also reported that Cupet has established important objectives in the Mariel Special Development Zone (ZEDM), saying that the company is available to work with potential partners on new projects.

He noted that Cupet has signed four important agreements for projects in the ZEDM, including the construction of a plant to produce lubricants with the latest technology; one for synthetic asphalt and special solutions; installations for the storage and supply of gas; and a new fuel terminal, which could serve both ships as well as companies in the Zone. The first three of these projects will be carried out as joint ventures, while the last will be undertaken by Cupet on its own, Suárez reported.

(Granma)

This is the Pinar 220 A1 solar park, the first of its kind in the region, equipped with technology which promises to significantly change the province’s electricity supply system.

Despite its three megawatt peak capacity, a little over a year since its inauguration and the Pinar 220 A1 is already showing positive results.

Michel Casal, director of investments at the Cuban electric company in Pinar del Río, states that over the period, the park’s 12,080 solar panels have supplied almost six gigawatts of power to the National Electric System (SEN); highlighting that it would have cost the country over half a million dollars to generate the same amount of energy in one of thermoelectric plants which exist on the island, something that was achieved by the solar park at practically no cost.

PROJECTS UNDERWAY
Such results confirm in practice what had already been identified in studies: exploiting the strong sun rays enjoyed all-year-round in Vueltabajo (as the region is also known), could help to considerably reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.

In regards to Pinar del Río’s first solar park, the highly efficient facility generates a daily average of around 13 MW. “So far the facility has been operating continuously and with a minimum level of maintenance work,” states Michel.

Based on this experience, new parks are continuing to be built across the province, according to the project director.
As such, work is currently underway on the first phase of a new park, located close to Troncoso which, when completed, should provide 2.7 MWp.

Meanwhile a further 28 areas across the entire province, where these types of facilities could be established, have also been identified.
Construction will begin on two of these sites this year, both of which are set to be completed by 2017. The first, located close to Pinar 220 A1 and with a four MWp capacity, will be built by a Chinese company, while the second, based in El Cafetal, San Luis municipality, with a capacity of 2.2 MWp, will be undertaken by the Cuban electric company in Pinar del Río.

The remaining projects are currently awaiting future investments by either Cuban or foreign entities.

OVER 100 YEARS OF HISTORY
The use of renewable energy sources to generate electricity in Cuba’s westernmost province dates back over a century.
According to historians, such efforts began in December 1912 with the opening of the Salto de Pilotos hydroelectric plant, the oldest in the country and still operating, but with more modern equipment.

Next came the San Vicente facility in the municipality of Viñales, and El Salto, in Guane, both constructed in 1920 and which continue to function today.

These represent isolated cases, however, with minimal impact in terms of both kilowatts generated and fuel savings.
However, this reality which has marked the life of the province for over a century, is set to change significantly over the coming years, thanks to the emergence of more efficient technologies, a reduction in investment costs, and the priority which the country currently affords the issue.

Jorge Luis Arzola, director of the Hydropower Basic Enterprise Unit (UEB) in Vueltabajo, notes that in addition to the company’s seven plants there are plans to add another eight before the end of 2020, with an output capacity five times greater than the 415KW generated by existing facilities. Almost all will be located downstream from reservoirs, and designed to supply clean energy directly to the SEN.

MODIFYING THE ENERGY SYSTEM
With the aim of modifying the region’s energy system, the 28 areas selected for the construction of solar parks – spanning a total of 179 hectares – should supply a total of 105.9 MWp to the SEN.

According to Michel, the program set to be implemented gradually over the coming years, will supply a good part of the energy consumed by the province.

“Today the maximum peak is about 154MW, so we’re talking about covering almost 70% of the provinces energy needs with solar panels.”
In economic terms, the beneficial impact of the program is predicted to be huge, considering the amount of fuel that will be saved, which will also have a positive effect on the environment.

“The amount of CO2 that will no longer be emitted is considerable, if we bear in mind that thousands of tons are being saved in the Pinar 220 A1 park alone,” states Michel

A little over a century since the Salto de Pilotos hydroelectric plant was opened generating electricity with fossil fuels is no longer a necessity; thus it seems that the time of renewable energy has finally arrived in the province.

Near the city of Pinar del Río, on one side of the highway which runs through the area known as Troncoso, the construction of the region’s third solar park – for a total of six scheduled to be built there – seems to prove as much, together with the studies and projects conducted over recent years, geared toward generating clean energy through the use of natural, environmentally friendly renewable energy sources.

(Granma)

Among the latter, electricity, alcohol, animal feed and bioproducts are significant, the Head of AZCUBA Power Generation Barbara Hernández Martínez, told Prensa Latina.

Sugar production is based on energy obtained through cogeneration – the simultaneous production of electrical and thermal energy from a single fuel – used for the clarification, filtration, evaporation and crystallization processes of sugar cane juice, she explained.

Since the sugar harvest of 2002, she added, the Cuban sugar industry has been selling increasing surplus electricity generated during the manufacturing process to the National Electrical Union. However, this has reached insufficient efficiency parameters to meet the energy needs of the country.

According to Hernández, sugar producers across the world are now abandoning the idea that sugarcane biomass (bagasse and straw) is an annoying waste product of sugar production, of low commercial value, and recognizing it as a fuel of great use in generating energy.

Biomass has been an energy source since time immemorial, and in fact was the first fuel used by human beings. Despite its ancient use, it will continue to occupy an important place in the global energy system going forward, according to a recent report by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.

According to the Cuban official, the sugar cane industry produces the fuel it needs at very low cost, as biomass is a waste product of the milling process, thus making it both renewable and environmentally friendly.

BIOELECTRICAL PLANTS

Elaborating on the energy value of sugar cane, Hernández emphasized that the AZCUBA Bioelectrical Plants Program, once fully implemented, will have a significant impact on the diversification of agribusiness production.

The use of this raw material could see AZCUBA’s contribution to environmentally friendly energy production in the country increase fourfold, and have a positive influence on transforming the national electric system.

Currently, approximately 86% of the renewable energy produced in the country comes from sugar cane biomass.

A gradual increase of no less than 14% in the electricity generated from this biomass is expected up to 2030. Bioelectrical plants are highly efficient, not only due to the equipment used and the performance parameters, but precisely because they are cogeneration plants, releasing low pressure steam that will continue to be used in the sugar manufacturing process.

THE JESÚS RABÍ SUGAR MILL BIOELECTRICAL PLANT

The planned 20 megawatt (Mw) bioelectrical plant at the Jesús Rabí sugar mill, in the province of Matanzas (some 100 kilometers east of Havana), is one of 19 which will be installed in this sector up until 2030.

In this regard, Hernández pointed out that efforts to finance seven of these plants are underway, both through preferential buyer’s credit and other means set out in the country’s foreign investment law.

This project, the specialist explained, consists of replacing the equipment in the thermal energy area of sugar mills (steam boilers, turbine generators, water treatment equipment, transformers connected to the national electricity system, biomass storage areas) for new, energy efficient equipment.

Currently, the Jesús Rabí sugar mill has the required volume of sugar cane to process 4,500 tons of this raw material daily, however, it does not have the cogeneration capacity to ensure a 100% processing rate.

The electric power installed in this factory only supports 80% of the processing potential, fixed at 3,500 tons of cane per day.

The new bioelectrical plant will be a cogeneration plant built in an area adjacent to the mill, which will ensure that harvests during the period of construction and assembly are not negatively affected.

Once up and operating, it will consume all the bagasse and agricultural waste produced, as well as the pure steam condensate from heating and evaporation equipment and water from the sugar processing, which in turn will supply steam to the turbine generators for the sugar manufacturing process, and the electricity it requires.

The electricity surplus from the sugar manufacturing process will be sold to the Electrical Union of Cuba, the specialist added.

Hernández explained that the project consists of installing a boiler with capacity to produce 110 tons of steam per hour, which will work at a pressure of 67 bar and a temperature of 520 degrees, with no less than 85% efficiency, and use 50% moisture bagasse as fuel during harvest time.

The bagasse will be combined with ten percent of sugar cane agricultural waste during harvest time and 17% of waste at other times, mixed with the remaining sugar cane biomass from the mill itself and the remaining mills in the province of Matanzas. It will also use forest biomass (Marabou), provided by agricultural production units of the Ministry of Agriculture.

The project also aims to reduce the environmental impact of the sugar manufacturing process, with the installation of air purifiers for gases generated in the combustion of biomass.

The chosen technology will allow for continuous improvement and care of the agro ecosystem, as the residual ash from steam generation, which is high in potassium, will be applied as liquid fertilizer to the sugar cane fields.

As such, conservation and better use of water resources will result from condensing the steam extracted from the turbine.

Hernández noted that once this bioelectric plant is operational, there will be a 19% increase in raw sugar production during each harvest, as well as a fourfold increase in efficiency in the mill’s power generation.

In addition, the use of forest and sugar cane biomass will save the country an estimated $20 million dollars in fossil fuels.

The specialist revealed that works on the bioelectric plants corresponding to the 5 de Septiembre sugar mill, in the province of Cienfuegos, and the Ciro Redondo sugar mill in Ciego de Ávila, each with a capacity of 60 MW, are currently awaiting the approval of the final documents, in order for the signing of their respective financing agreements to take place.

The plant at the 5 de Septiembre mill will be built and operated through a management contract between the Cienfuegos Sugar Company and the Industrial Construction Company of Brazil.

As for the Ciro Redondo mill, it will be built and operated by a joint venture between AZCUBA shareholder ZERUS, and the Havana Energy Company, from the UK. Installation and commissioning will be undertaken through a turnkey project led by Shanghai Electric, winner of the tender for this purpose.

Currently there are 200 bioelectrical plants in operation worldwide, of which the largest number, about 140, are located in Brazil. According to experts, this type of work is at the forefront of the current world sugar industry.

(PL)