Ecobreves – CUBA: Wind Blows, Fields Watered

By IPS Correspondents and - - Reprint | | Print |

HAVANA, Feb 9 2004 (IPS) - Cuba has introduced wind energy into its farm irrigation systems. This renewable energy source has long been used to pump water for most of the country's cattle and dairy farms. In Pinar del Río, 176 km west of Havana, some 190 windmills are now part of the rural landscape, providing energy for irrigating fields of vegetables. The windmills are part of government plans to save on fossil fuel use.

Experts consider the use of wind energy on this socialist-run island will be especially effective in meeting local demands immediately, while complementing the energy production of the National Electric System.

One of the regions with greatest possibilities for exploiting wind for energy is in the north of Camaguey province, 570 km from the capital.