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Assessing the Socioeconomic and Environmental Impact of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems for Sustainable Power in Remote Cuba

Author

Listed:
  • Israel Herrera Orozco

    (Energy Systems Analysis Unit, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Av. Complutense, 40, 20040 Madrid, Spain)

  • Santacruz Banacloche

    (Energy Systems Analysis Unit, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Av. Complutense, 40, 20040 Madrid, Spain)

  • Yolanda Lechón

    (Energy Systems Analysis Unit, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Av. Complutense, 40, 20040 Madrid, Spain)

  • Javier Dominguez

    (Renewable Energies Division, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Av. Complutense, 40, 28040 Madrid, Spain)

Abstract

This study evaluates the viability of a specific hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) installation designed for a remote community as a case study in Cuba. The system integrates solar, wind, and biomass resources to address localised challenges of energy insecurity and environmental degradation. Rather than offering a generalised evaluation of HRES technologies, this work focuses on the performance, impacts, and viability of this particular configuration within its unique geographical, social, and technical context. Using life cycle assessment (LCA) and input–output modelling, the research assesses environmental and socioeconomic impacts. The proposed HRES reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 60% (from 1.14 to 0.47 kg CO 2 eq/kWh) and fossil energy consumption by 50% compared to diesel-based systems. Socioeconomic analysis reveals that the system generates 40.3 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs, with significant employment opportunities in operation and maintenance. However, initial investments primarily benefit foreign suppliers due to Cuba’s reliance on imported components. The study highlights the potential for local economic gains through workforce training and domestic manufacturing of renewable energy technologies. These findings underscore the importance of integrating multiple renewable sources to enhance energy resilience and sustainability in Cuba. Policymakers should prioritise strategies to incentivise local production and capacity building to maximise long-term benefits. Future research should explore scalability across diverse regions and investigate policy frameworks to support widespread adoption of HRES. This study provides valuable insights for advancing sustainable energy solutions in Cuba and similar contexts globally.

Suggested Citation

  • Israel Herrera Orozco & Santacruz Banacloche & Yolanda Lechón & Javier Dominguez, 2025. "Assessing the Socioeconomic and Environmental Impact of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems for Sustainable Power in Remote Cuba," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-26, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:17:p:7592-:d:1730475
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Guevara-Luna, Marco Andrés & Madrazo, Jessie & Meneses, Elieza & Mora, Henry & Clappier, Alain, 2024. "Strategies toward an effective and sustainable energy transition for Cuba," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 197(C).
    2. Reyes, Y.A. & Pérez, M. & Barrera, E.L. & Martínez, Y. & Cheng, K.K., 2022. "Thermochemical conversion processes of Dichrostachys cinerea as a biofuel: A review of the Cuban case," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 160(C).
    3. Javier Domínguez & Carlo Bellini & Luis Arribas & Julio Amador & Mirelys Torres-Pérez & Ana M. Martín, 2024. "IntiGIS-Local: A Geospatial Approach to Assessing Rural Electrification Alternatives for Sustainable Socio-Economic Development in Isolated Communities—A Case Study of Guasasa, Cuba," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-37, August.
    4. Israel Herrera & Irene Rodríguez‐Serrano & Daniel Garrain & Yolanda Lechón & Armando Oliveira, 2020. "Sustainability assessment of a novel micro solar thermal: Biomass heat and power plant in Morocco," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 24(6), pages 1379-1392, December.
    5. Alejandro López-González & Bruno Domenech & Laia Ferrer-Martí, 2021. "Sustainability Evaluation of Rural Electrification in Cuba: From Fossil Fuels to Modular Photovoltaic Systems: Case Studies from Sancti Spiritus Province," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-17, April.
    6. Mahmud, M.A. Parvez & Huda, Nazmul & Farjana, Shahjadi Hisan & Lang, Candace, 2020. "Life-cycle impact assessment of renewable electricity generation systems in the United States," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 151(C), pages 1028-1045.
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