Energy Planning in Cuba

The Project

As part of the broader SUNRISE PRD project, financed by ARES, the University of Liège (ULiège) plays a leading role in developing advanced tools for energy system planning in Cuba. The aim is to support the transition to a more sustainable, sovereign, and renewable-based energy system, helping Cuba reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels while tackling energy poverty and climate vulnerability.

Activities

ULiège is specifically responsible for:

• Developing low-computation energy planning tools to develop energy transition scenario in the country.
• Supervising a PhD project (PhD3) focused on optimizing multi-energy systems (solar, wind, biomass) using open-source models adapted to the Cuban context.
• Providing technical support for simulating energy demand and supply scenarios with high spatial and temporal resolution.
• Applying machine learning to improve model efficiency and scenario robustness.
• Integrating Cuban-specific constraints such as outdated infrastructure, climate risks, and economic uncertainty into planning tools.
• Contributing to policy-relevant insights by linking technical models with socioeconomic analysis.

In Practice

ULiège’s contribution centers around one of the PhD student, supervised by Prof. Sylvain Quoilin, who also co-supervises other project components. The team will:

• Use tools like Dispa-SET, PyPSA, and EnergyScope.
• Integrate demand modeling tools like the RAMP stochastic demand generator.
• Incorporate uncertainty quantification and multi-criteria optimization to guide resilient infrastructure investment.
• Work closely with Cuban partners at UCLV to ensure tools are tailored, transferable, and locally usable post-project.

These tools will be open-source, helping not only Cuba but also other island and Global South nations with similar energy challenges.

Project Duration and Partners

Duration: 2025–2029 (5 years)

Key Partners:

• Belgium:  ULiege - ISES, ULB, UMONS
• Cuba: Universidad Central “Marta Abreu” de Las Villas (UCLV)