Cuban Hydroelectric Plant Being Renovated with Chinese Technology

HAVANA TIMES, April 17 — The oldest hydroelectric plant in Cuba is reaching its centenary as it goes through a renovation effort that will make it the largest generator in western Pinar del Rio province, the Xinhua news agency reported.

The Salto Piloto installation is undergoing renovation involving two 270 kW turbines manufactured in China. These will provide more efficient energy production with a generation capacity of just over 2 giga-watts per year.

The Salto Piloto facility was created in 1912 to provide electricity to the city of Pinar del Rio and is considered a jewel of Cuban hydropower.

The Caribbean nation now has some 180 hydroelectric plants that produce about 65 megawatts a day, although — according the Cubaencuentro website — the country has the potential to generate ten times that amount.