HAVANA, September 23 (IPS) – After modeling a solar heater, installing solar panels and creating a food dehydrator with the help of the sun, Félix Morffi is turning his home into a space to produce and promote renewable energy. energy in Cuba.
With two storage tanks, glass, aluminum panels, as well as cobblestone, sand and cement blocks, in 2006 the 84-year-old retiree created a solar heater that met his family’s needs. , which he proudly displays.
“You build it today and tomorrow you have hot water; anyone can do it and if they have a little advice all the better,” said retired mid-career tool and machine technician. know.
A magnet treats water magnetically with a system that cleans the water and makes it suitable for human consumption without the need for additional energy.
Also on the roof, a cluster of 16 photovoltaic panels imported in 2019 provides 5 kilowatts (kWp) of power and supports his small auto repair shop, where he works on cars for public and private companies.
It is an independent business run by Morffi on part of his land in Regla, one of the 15 municipalities that make up Havana.
In addition to covering the family’s living needs, he also supplies his excess electricity to the national grid, the National Electricity System (SEN).
As part of a contract with Unión Eléctrica de Cuba under the Ministry of Energy and Mines, for surplus energy “we receive an average of over 2,000 pesos a month (about $83 at the official rate), more than or less than Morffi told IPS in an interview at his own home.
But he said that the rate of 12.5 cents per kilowatt of energy delivered to SEN should probably be increased if the government wants more people to produce solar energy.
Since 2014, Cuba has had a Policy to develop renewable energy sources and use them efficiently, and in 2019 Law Decree 345 established regulations to increase the share of renewable energy in production. electricity generation and gradually reduce the proportion of fossil fuel use.
Other regulations have been added, such as tax exemptions for foreign companies undertaking sustainable power generation projects for eight years.
Other decisions aim to encourage self-sufficiency through decentralized production with the sale of surplus energy to SEN, as well as tax exemptions on import of photovoltaic systems, their components and components. for non-commercial purposes.
Great solar potential
According to studies, Cuba receives an average of more than 5 kilowatts of solar radiation per square meter per day, which is considered high. There is great potential in this archipelago of more than 110,800 square kilometers with an annual average of 330 days of sunshine.
By the end of 2021, about $500 million has been invested to expand its share in the energy mix of solar, wind, biomass and hydro sources, according to data from the Department of Energy and Mines.
The solar program seems to be the most advanced and has the best chance of growth.
Solar parks operating in the country contribute 238 megawatts, more than 75% of locally produced renewable energy.
Additionally, more than 160,000 of the nation’s 3.9 million homes, mostly in remote mountainous areas, receive electricity from solar modules, the statistics show.
But clean sources account for just under 5% of the island’s electricity production, a prospect that authorities want to radically transform, setting an ambitious target of 37% by 2030.
It is a matter of national security to fundamentally modify the energy mix in Cuba, which is heavily dependent on fossil fuel imports and affected by cyclical energy shortages.
The island is in the midst of an energy crisis with power outages lasting up to 12 hours or more in some areas due to a network of 20 blocks of thermal power plants that have an average operating life of 30 years and require repaired regularly.
Add to that the rising international prices of diesel and fuel oil, as well as a shortage of parts to keep engines and generators powered by these fuels running in 168 municipalities of the country. Cuba.
Brake
Government officials point to the US embargo as a factor holding back the growth of renewables, arguing that the embargo has discouraged potential investors and hindered purchases of renewable energy. modern ingredients and technology.
On the other hand, inflation, partial dollarization of the economy, and severe shortages of basic necessities, including food, leave most families with few options to turn to products. autonomous clean energy production, even as they recognize its positive environmental impact.
One of the state owned companies authorized to market and assemble a 1.0 kWp solar panel system for the equivalent of about $2,300 in a country where the average monthly salary estimated $160, although it is possible to apply for a bank loan for installation. .
People who spoke to IPS also mentioned the difficulty of storing solar energy for use at night, during power outages, or on cloudy or rainy days, due to very high battery prices.
Morffi said more training is needed for employees involved in some processes and he said the delay of more than a year between signing the contract with Unión Eléctrica and the start of payment for the energy surplus closed. contributed to SEN, as well as “inconsistencies related to equipment assembly.
Despite a national policy on renewable energy sources, “there are still a lot of people who are ignorant and have little desire to do things and do them well. Awareness needs to be raised,” he argues. .
Incorporating renewable energy
Morffi believes that regardless of economic conditions, with a little ingenuity, people can make use of the elements of nature, because “the sun shines for everyone; the air is there and you lose nothing, but Your wealth is in your brain.”
He shows a dryer that uses the sun’s heat to dehydrate fruit, spices, and tubers.
Other equipment will require a substantial investment, such as three small wind turbines of 0.5 kWp each that he plans to import and a new batch of 4.0 kWp photovoltaic solar panels, that you will have to apply for a bank loan.
At the back of his house, a small solar panel helps keep water flowing from the well for the chickens in his coop, and an artificial pond holds a variety of aquarium fish and tilapia for the family to eat.
The construction of a small biodigester, about 4 cubic meters in size, is also at an advanced stage on his land, which aims to use methane from the decomposition of livestock manure, to heat cook.
According to Morffi, who manages these operations with the support of several family members, his house is on its way to becoming a test site for the use of renewable energy.
A specialized classroom can be built there, so that students can learn about the topic on-site.
So far in the design phase and in discussions with potential backers, this local development could even install “solar heaters in community places like doctor’s offices.” doctors, day centers and canteens for the elderly,” Morffi said.
He said the idea needs support from international donors, the government of Regla city, and Cubasolaran NGO dedicated to promoting renewable sources and respecting the environment, of which Morffi has been a member since 2004.
“We are ready to advise anyone who wants to install solar panels, heaters or dryers, anything related to renewable energy. We have the knowledge, experience and what it takes. there to contribute,” he said.
© Inter Press Service (2022) – All rights reservedOrigin: Inter Press Service
