Cuba’s energy map continues its transformation toward a more sustainable and resilient energy matrix. In the province of Holguin, the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project, located in the municipality of Cueto. It has entered its final assembly phase, solidifying its position as a key component. For the regulation and stabilization of the National Electric System (SEN).
The first load tests for the commissioning of the installation are expected to begin in the coming days. A process that will have the technical support and approval of specialized advisors from the People’s Republic of China.
With an installed capacity of 50 megawatts (MW), this facility will allow for the absorption of sudden frequency variations. Also with the efficient management of energy flow in the eastern region of the country.
The installation of this storage system in Cueto is not an isolated event. But rather the technical response to the accelerated growth of photovoltaic solar power generation in Holguin. The province has positioned itself as a fundamental pillar in the national strategy to transform the energy matrix. Incorporating several large-scale solar parks and international donations.
Likewise, among the high-power parks (21.8 MW each), strategic locations. Such as Corua Cinco (Mayari), La Caridad (Rafael Freyre), Providencia (near the provincial capital’s airport), and Pilon (Antilla) stand out. Designed to contribute tens of megawatts during peak solar radiation hours.
Through international cooperation projects, smaller-scale but rapid-response parks are already underway. Such as Serones I and Serones II in Mayari, financed by donations from the People’s Republic of China. Which add direct power to the regional grid.
Moreover the inherent intermittency of solar energy generates surpluses during peak radiation periods at midday. Which, if not stored, would be lost. The battery storage program aims precisely to capture this daytime surplus and feed it into the grid during peak nighttime hours.
The Cotorro BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) in Havana marked the starting point as the first operational installation of its kind on the island. With its 50 MW capacity, it has demonstrated its operational effectiveness in regulating the grid during critical contingencies. Such as unexpected outages at the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant.
Alongside Cueto, the Havana 220 kV and Bayamo (Granma) projects are in advanced stages of construction. Once the entire system is fully operational, the country will have 200 MW dedicated exclusively to frequency regulation. Drastically reducing dependence on fossil fuel consumption and providing greater flexibility in the event of failures at large thermoelectric plants.
By: Daimy Peña Guillén
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