By María Josefina Arce 

Cuba has a clear goal to transform its energy matrix and by 2030 generate 24% of electricity from renewable energy sources, in order to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, the cost of foreign currency derived from their import and environmental pollution.

Studies reveal that the burning of fossil fuels, mainly coal and oil, is the main cause of global warming and the environmental crisis the world is currently experiencing.

That is why the Cuban government is promoting the use of solar, wind, water and biomass energies, given the country's great potential, which has not yet been fully exploited.

Although not enough progress has been made yet, strategic sectors of the economy are betting on the use of so-called clean energies. This is the case of tobacco. Since 2018, these technologies have been used in the cure of the Virginia variety.

The operation of the chambers in which this process is carried out is based on steam from boilers fed with rice husks, sawdust and wood chips from nearby sawmills.

Currently, the installation of solar panels is being promoted to guarantee the different tobacco production processes in general and that they are not affected by electrical interruptions.

So far, this technology has been installed in centers in Pinar del Río, Artemisa and Villa Clara. The aim is to take the experience to all the units in the country linked to this important sector that generates the necessary foreign currency, which is used both for that area and for social programs.

According to the information, the objective is that in the first semester of this year all the export tobacco factories will have photovoltaic systems.Work is also being done to cover crop irrigation, but this is a long-term goal, according to the authorities, because the process is more expensive, about five thousand dollars per hectare.Likewise, the aim is to extend this experience to other agricultural development programs in the national territory in order to generalize the use of renewable energy sources.

Encouraging the use of so-called clean energies is a priority of Cuban authorities to achieve the necessary energy independence of the country and contribute to the protection of the environment.