Cuba

            
             The energy issues that face Cuba are unique from those of most other countries in that Cuba has no coal, oil, or gas for energy production. The United States" economic sanctions imposed on the island and the disintegration of the Soviet Union have forced Cuba to research the possibilities for self-sufficiency in energy, using their own natural resources. Despite the lack of fossil fuels Cuba does have an abundance of sunshine, thus the starting-point for Cuba's energy policy is the capacity to transform solar energy to satisfy internal needs, and the widespread social management of energy production. As far as solar energy goes, Cuba has conditions that are almost dream-like for every third world country and every ecologist. It has abundant renewable energy resources coupled with social control and management of land, and is also free from the negative influences of multinational companies. The island of Cuba is proof that ecologically sustainable development can be a reality.
             In the two years from 1989 to 1991 Cuban import were cut by 50%. In relation to energy, this forced the country to create many readjustment measures. These measures were/are: a massive cut of industrial production, rationalization of energy production and social activities, and overall reductions in energy consumption. In addition to these, maximum attention was given to the development of energy efficiency and locally available alternatives to important energy sources. Considering these, renewable energy is seen as increasingly important.
             One of the biggest attributes to Cuba regarding renewable energy is solar radiation. Cuba receives over five kWh/square meter/day throughout the year, which is comparable to southern Arizona. Realizing this, Cuba has embarked on an ambitious rural photovoltaic program to bring much needed electricity to the unserved parts of the population. A typical solar system on a rural house uses two forty-watt PV panels and a 150 amp-hour battery to provide power for five 20-watt lights, a radio, and a television.