Cuba Opens Experimental Wind Farm

[Judi Lynn]

Associated Press
Cuba Opens Experimental Wind Farm
Associated Press 02.26.07, 10:14 AM ET

Cuba has opened an experimental wind farm, hoping alternative energy sources can one day ease occasional power shortages while reducing the island's dependence on oil, state news media reported Sunday.

The $3.4 million park, featuring six 180-foot windmills, was established on Isla de la Juventud, an island south of Havana, according to the Communist Party youth newspaper Juventud Rebelde.

Exactly when the park was inaugurated was unclear, but officials estimate that during its first year of operation it could produce 1,800 megawatts of electricity. That would save Cuba about $136,000 in oil costs on international market, the newspaper said.

The park was built using French technology, and its windmills are designed to be disassembled quickly in case of hurricanes or tropical storms.

Officials hope to finish work on another wind park with six windmills, located in the eastern province of Holguin, by the end of the year.
(snip/...)

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/02/26/ap3462254.html

[slackmaster]

1. 25 year payoff not counting maintenance expenses

OTOH there are intangible benefits to reducing dependence on petroleum.

[TX-RAT]

4. The ones around here keep breaking down

We have over 100 of them scattered around this county. On any given day at least 1/3 are not working due to mechanical failures. 1 just north of my place caught on fire 2 years ago and hasn't been repaired yet. Don't believe they can survive long enough to pay themselves off.

[Mika]

7. High maintenance, for sure..

.. but, Cuba has plenty of talent and infrastructure to maintain the system - note, in the article, that the turbines are designed to be disassembled quickly in case of hurricanes or tropical storms. That means: regular training and experience with maintaining the system. Its not like Cuba's electrical infrastructure is a for-profit venture, seeking to cut jobs to maximize the bottom line for the stockholders and golden parachutes for CEOs.

[roody]

10. One thing in abundance in Cuba

is meaningful work. There are not very many convenience store clerk jobs. Hope it stays that way.

[donsu]

2. Cuba teaching us how it's done

nt

[slackmaster]

5. You mean how to implement a money-losing energy policy?

Or how to make up for the loss in volume?

[truthisfreedom]

8. The wind farm is experimental. They're testing the technology for wind generators that can be taken

down in case of a hurricane. I think that's phenomenal.

[Judi Lynn]

9. Good point. That's the first time I've ever heard of this kind of operation, too.

They already have normal hurricane preparedness down to an art, even taking farm animals, pets, etc. to higher ground to keep them safe, and sustaining an amazing level of security for the people, and it looks as if they are going to make it even more interesting!

That will take some great team work.

[truthisfreedom]

12. Thanks, Judy!

I love your work!

[slackmaster]

16. That's great, but if it doesn't result in a cost-effective way to produce power

What's the point?

[valerief]

3. Oh, oh. They're gonna invade Cuba now. Crap! nt

[daleo]

6. 60,000 Megawatts worldwide

http://www.gwec.net/index.php?id=30&no_cache=1&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=21&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=4&cHash=d0118b8972

I can't believe 1,800 megawatts would only displace $136,000 dollars, though.

[SKKY]

11. Not sure I see the value in this...

...3.4 million to save $136,000.00? How long will it take them to recoup the costs? 20+ years assuming these things
last that long. This highlights the fact that I just don't think we're close to a wind-based technology that is worth
the investment. Ocean wave-based solutions seem much more viable at the present time.

[truthisfreedom]

13. I have always loved the idea of harvesting the sea for power.

Fantastic idea. Let's all get behind it!

[SKKY]

14. I know the technology exists...

...and it produces much more power than wind. Plus, the sea never has "calm" days.

[Judi Lynn]

15. Cuba's trade booms with China and Venezuela

Cuba's trade booms with China and Venezuela
Published on February 27, 2007 Email To Friend Print Version


By Marc Frank

HAVANA, Cuba (Reuters): Cuba's trade with China more than doubled in 2006 to nearly $1.8 billion, the Chinese customs office said on Monday, as the Communist-run Island prioritised its new revolutionary partners China and Venezuela.

Since Cuba signed an agreement with Venezuela in late 2004 bartering and selling services for oil and also began receiving more credit from China, it has ordered all state companies to prioritise trade and investment with the two countries.

China reported bilateral trade was $1.792 billion last year, up 105.4 percent from 2005 and compared with just $526 million in 2004.

Cuban Vice President Carlos Lage said in January that bilateral trade with Venezuela was $2.6 billion in 2006, compared with $2 billion in 2005 and $1.4 billion in 2004.

The Cuban government reported trade grew 27 percent in 2006, compared with the $9.5 billion reported in 2005, or to around $12 billion, meaning China and Venezuela accounted for more than 35 percent of all trade.

Chinese appliances now adorn most Cuban kitchens and Venezuelan snacks and canned goods are on supermarket shelves.
(snip/...)

http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/news-171--5-5--.html