The energy revolution of Cuba: a transition towards a new energy paradigm in the context of climate change

Mario Alberto Arrastía-Ávila

Sede Subregional de la CEPAL en México (Estudios e Investigaciones) from Naciones Unidas Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL)

Abstract: The solution to the energy crisis faced by Cuba between 2004-2005 was a comprehensive system of actions aimed at ensuring the economic and social development of the country and its transition to a more energy efficient economy. Cuba phased out incandescent bulbs and changed from a system of centralized electricity generation to a more decentralized model, paving the road to a higher penetration of renewable sources of energy in the national energy mix. Today all the Cuban territories have electricity generation facilities with less fuel inputs and lower emissions. Gas-fired power stations play a key role within the framework of the transition of the country to a New Energy Paradigm based on efficiency, decentralization, energy education and the progressive use of renewable sources of energy. The mass media foster the change of old habits and patterns of energy consumption. The representatives of the United Nations Environmental Program and the Latin American Energy Organization have acknowledged the Energy Revolution of Cuba as a model of electricity generation and consumption that has a positive impact on the quality of life of the population and the environment. In the context of fighting global climate change, Cuba reduced its total greenhouse gas emissions in 5.1% between 1990 and 2007, according to the International Energy Agency. In that same period, the energy intensity decreased in 13.9% according to ECLAC. This essay presents an approach to the Energy Revolution of Cuba whose originality lies on the integration of technical, environmental, educational, social and economic measures.

Date: 2017-09
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