Havana, January 16 (RHC)-- Among priorities set by the Cuban government for the still new year is the re-design and renovation of the island's energy network to promote a more efficient use of energy and the development of renewable sources.

Leandro Matos, the Director of National Strategy of the Ministry of Energy and Mines (Minem) in Cuba, stated that among the objectives of this policy is the reduction of the country's dependence on imported fuel and the reduction of costs.

The strategy is part of economic reforms being gradually implemented by the government of President Raul Castro, Matos added, during the second day of the Cuba-UK Business Forum underway in Havana.

Meanwhile, the director of renewable energy of the MINEM, Rosell Guerra, pointed out that in 2013 the ministry launched a major investment project, which has so far resulted in the completion of seven solar energy parks, six small hydroelectric power stations, the first biomass energy plant, three biogas plants and wind farm of 51 megawatts.