Cuba to launch 1st biofuel power plant in 2012 - report

Dec 23, 2011 - Cuba will open its first biofuel plant in 2012 in Ciego de Avila province, 400 km (248 miles) east of Havana, Cuban official newspaper Granma reported yesterday.
The plant will use sugarcane bagasse, agriculture and forest residues, including marabu which provides good quality charcoal.
Initially the aim is to secure the energy needed to run sugar processing plants, an official from the state Azcuba sugar group, Angel Mendez, told a parliamentary committee.
The country targets sugarcane biofuel power plants to account for 30% of the country's electricity installed capacity that currently stands at 4,700 MW, according to official data.
In 2005, Cuba kicked off an ambitious programme designed to expand and modernise its electricity grid with the installment of new generators, launch of millions of energy efficient appliances and repair of power lines. However, the plan has slowed down amid the economic crisis in 2009.

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