Havana, Dec 26 (Prensa Latina) The Cuban Business Group Agua y Saneamiento is betting today on boosting the use of photovoltaic energy in the pumping of drinking water throughout the country.
A new investment project will replace the energy matrix in 1,312 drinking water pumping equipment of less than 10 kilowatts (kW) of power with this renewable energy source, coming from solar panels.
The general director of Water Management, Sanitation and Drainage of that entity, José Antonio Hernandez, told Granma newspaper, the transformation program involves 37.4 percent of the total equipment installed on the island.
In general, it will contribute to electricity savings and better financial management in the Aqueduct and Sewerage entities, he added.
For the first stage of execution, which involves eight provinces of the country, 722 photovoltaic energy equipments were imported, which, once installed, will represent a saving of 7.1 gigawatts (GW) to the National Electric System (SEN).
In addition, it will reduce the energy cost assumed by the Aqueduct and Sewerage companies in 22 million pesos and will benefit close to 400,000 inhabitants, said Hernandez.
Subsequently, Agua y Saneamiento Business Group will complete the importation of the necessary equipment, which will result in savings to the SEN of around 15 GW and more than 46 million pesos.
The project adheres to the policy Cuba has had since 2014 for the development of renewable sources and their efficient use, in order to guarantee a safe and environmentally friendly transition.
ef/abo/mgt/att
