Cuba

It is an obvious priority to improve this efficiency if this method is to be widely used. The conversion rates in the newer Cuban mills are about 40 kWh per ton of cane, whereas the typical conversion rate in industrialized countries is 60 to 80 kWh. In Hawaii, with the use of better electricity cogeneration technology, net exports of electricity already reach 100 kWh/ton. Even more impressive, advanced biomass-fueled cogeneration systems undergoing commercial trials worldwide might produce as much as 500 or 600 kWh per ton of cane.
             Another important potential energy source that comes from biomass is the production of biogas. The main sources of this are: Residues from sugar plants and from other sugar industries, residues from confined livestock, residues from coffee harvest, residues from other biomass processing industries, and urban wastes.
             Another promising renewable source of energy in Cuba is hydroelectricity. Hydroelectricity is second only to biomass in Cuba's renewable energy picture. Although Cuba does not have many large rivers, it has many small ones that are well suited for microhydro generators. Although the hydroelectric potential of Cuba is estimated at 650 MW, with an annual generation of 1300 GWh, it has exploited only 55 MW of the potential, with an annual generation of 80 GWh. These factors are somewhat low due to the seasonal fluxations of the rivers, as well as required irrigation use of some waterways at certain times of the year. Over half of the total potential could be realized through the 360 MW Toa-Duaba project that exists in eastern Cuba. An estimated 600 GWh could be generated per year from the Toa River, and harnessing the smaller rivers above the Toa could add an additional 120 MW of potential capacity, which could generate 300 GWh per year. Although this project is considered a priority in the National Energy Plan, lack of financing has slowed its realization.