Renewable Energy Consumption: Cuba

Analysis# Cuba Renewable Energy Consumption Cuba's renewable energy consumption stood at 20.9% of total energy in 2021, reflecting a volatile three-decade trajectory. The country peaked at 51.3% in 1992, likely driven by hydroelectric capacity and biomass utilization during the post-Soviet period. Since then, renewable energy's share has declined sharply, reaching a low of 15.6% in 2010 as fossil fuel dependence increased. The 51.3 percentage-point drop since 1990 underscores a significant structural shift in Cuba's energy portfolio away from renewables. Recent volatility between 2012 and 2021 shows fluctuation rather than sustained recovery. After bottoming in 2013 at 18.2%, renewable consumption rebounded to 24.5% by 2020 before falling to 20.9% in 2021. This inconsistent pattern suggests competing pressures from economic constraints, aging renewable infrastructure, and energy demand. Without accelerated investment in wind or solar capacity, Cuba's renewable share appears likely to remain below 25% unless policy priorities shift decisively.