Central Cuba Advances in Obtaining Renewable Energy

Sancti Spiritus, Cuba, Jan 13. -At least 16 physical, chemical and microbiological tests to obtain energy from agricultural and livestock, industrial and forest waste are being carried out in the center of Biogas and Environmental Engineering in this central province.According to preliminary studies, there are chances to replace on a yearly basis the use of some 4,000 tons of oil, or 30 percent of the energy consumed in this territory.

The lab at the Jose Marti University, in the provincial capital, is trying to promote the use of renewable energy sources as an alternative to fossil fuel exhaustion worldwide.

The head of Cubasolar in Sancti Spiritus, Fernando Medinilla, confirmed that there is great potential to produce biogas from pig feces because of the large number of producers who have made agreements with the state.

Over 1,200 facilities contribute to power saving efforts in the province, including windmills, biodigestors, micro hydro-power plants and solar panels and heaters.

Although the eolian potential is poor in the region, there are possibilities to install small wind-driven generators in the north.

Medinilla said the province joins those who promote clean, environmental friendly energy generation  (Prensa Latina)