Cuba commissions first 50 MW battery energy storage system

Cuba has commissioned its first 50 MW BESS at the Cotorro substation in Havana, according to state media reports.

The system has already undergone live testing under grid disturbance scenarios, including the loss of generation from the Antonio Guiteras thermal power plant and high-voltage transmission line faults. Officials said the battery automatically injected or absorbed power to help maintain grid frequency.

The Cotorro installation is the first of four planned 50 MW battery storage systems that will provide a combined 200 MW of capacity. The remaining projects are planned for another site in Havana, Cueto in Holguín province, and Bayamo in Granma province.

The battery deployment forms part of Cuba’s strategy to strengthen its electricity system while expanding solar generation. The government has outlined plans to install about 2 GW of solar capacity by 2028, including several projects paired with battery storage.

Authorities said the batteries will store excess daytime solar generation, supply electricity when needed, and provide frequency regulation services. However, the new system alone is not expected to resolve the country’s chronic power shortages, which continue to be driven by fuel constraints, an aging thermal generation fleet, and recurring blackouts.

From pv magazine LatAm