Cuba Purchases Less Fuel after Increasing Gas-based Power Generation

The generation of 1,020,000 megawatts/hour after burning natural gas from oil wells helped Cuba to save hard currency and purchase less fuel.

The achievement was linked to the good productive parameters of the equipment being used, as well as the presence of oil in wells associated with Energas, said company vice-manager Yuri Viamontes.

Following a recent investment project, all five power generators in the Havana locality of Boca de Jaruco can produce 175 megawatts. Viamontes noted that Energas also includes a treatment plant in the locality of Puerto Escondido, which contributes cooking gas for over one million people in Havana, the capital.

According to experts, gas-based power generation in the world is very efficient and viable, not only from the economic point of view, but also from the ecological perspective, since it helps protect the environment.

Natural gas production increased in Cuba by over 500,000 tons from 2000 to 2008, according to data published by the National Statistics Office. (RHC)