Construction of Rafael Reyes saw coordinated efforts from multiple Cuban enterprises, including ECOING 11 and 24, with intensive labor schedules to meet a November 2025 completion deadline. Key infrastructural works covered installation of mounting structures, electrical base frames for inverters, internal roadways, perimeter security facilities, and site lighting. The project’s total investment was reported at approximately $17 million.
Despite progress, the absence of battery energy storage systems (BESS) in most solar parks confines output to daylight hours only, limiting coverage during peak evening demand. This constraint persists amid Cuba’s deep energy deficit, exceeding 1,700 MW nationally as aging thermal plants undergo unplanned and scheduled shutdowns. The Rafael Reyes plant complements earlier facilities such as the 21.8 MW Las Guásimas park, inaugurated in May 2025, and aligns with efforts to mitigate severe nationwide blackouts, currently lasting up to 20 hours daily in some regions.
The Cuban government emphasizes the ecological benefits of this transition, meeting climate commitments by reducing dependence on fuel oil and diesel. Ongoing projects in the Santiago de Cuba province include two other solar parks in San Luis municipality and another in Contramaestre, with site identification for future expansions underway. The integration of these solar assets reflects strengthened Cuba-China cooperation in technology and financing as the nation works to secure energy independence and environmental sustainability.
This article was curated and published as part of our South American energy market coverage.
