Havana, July 4 (RHC) -– Cuba is currently developing a program aimed at increasing the use of renewable energy sources and decrease imports of fossil fuels, said Energy and Mining minister, Alfredo Lopez.

Speaking to lawmakers in Havana, the minister said the 2015 investment and business plan will focus on the use of bio-electricity based on the use of sugar cane bagasse and a local plant called Marabu to generate some 775 megawatts.

Meanwhile, wind farms located on the Cuban northern coast from the center to the eastern parts of the country will yield over 600 megawatts, said the minister and added that, sun energy will contribute another 700 megawatts through solar panels, while hydroelectric plants operating in different reservoirs will add 56 megawatts.

These projects are being financed with government credit and direct foreign investment, said the official who also referred to the continuation of the energy saving program for the residential sector, which includes the use of solar heaters, induction cookers and energy-saving lighting.

The use of renewable energy only accounts for 4.3 percent of the electricity used in the country.