The photovoltaic solar park La Barbarita, first of its kind in Pinar del Río, is in its final phase of construction and is preparing to connect to the National Electric System (SEN) by the end of April 2025. This project represents a significant advance in renewable energy generation for the western province of Cuba.
A multidisciplinary team of hundreds of workers and specialists is intensively working on the installation of more than 300 kilometers of transmission lines with cables of various types and diameters. According to testimonies from employees with over 25 years of experience at the provincial Electric Company, this is the largest and most technically complex project they have participated in.
The park will have 42,588 solar panels that will generate 21.8 megawatts of clean energy for the SEN. The design includes special measures to withstand hurricane-force winds, a crucial aspect for a province frequently affected by extreme weather events, as explained by Yosleiby Izquierdo Sánchez, the technical leader of the project.
La Barbarita is part of a national program to increase electricity generation through renewable sources. As part of this plan, Pinar del Río will have five photovoltaic solar parks by 2030, two of which will begin construction this year in the municipalities of Sandino and the provincial capital.
This project marks a milestone in the sustainable energy development of the western region of Cuba, contributing to reducing dependence on fossil fuels and strengthening the territory’s electrical infrastructure. The launch of the park represents a significant step forward in the country’s energy transition.
La Barbarita solar park is a testament to Cuba’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainable development. As the park prepares to connect to the national grid, it promises to play a vital role in the region’s energy future, setting a precedent for future renewable energy projects.
