Cuba's Botanical Garden Explores Biomass Energy Amidst Fuel...

What Happened

The National Botanical Garden of Cuba, which has been closed to the public since April 12, 2026, due to a lack of diesel fuel, recently hosted a scientific meeting. This meeting was part of the REVIV-e project, an initiative focused on utilizing plant waste for energy and material production.

The gathering in Havana focused on analyzing the pruning processes within the garden. This included examining the volumes, flows, and types of biomass generated by its thousands of plant species. The goal was to assess its transformation into products like pellets, wood chips, or natural substrates, adopting a circular economy approach.

Where and When

The event took place at the National Botanical Garden in Havana, Cuba, on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. This occurred during a period of partial operational shutdown for the garden, highlighting the immediate need for alternative solutions.

The garden itself has not received sufficient fuel in 2026, estimated at 10,000 liters per month, to cover essential tasks such as maintenance, transportation, and care for its extensive plant collections. It remains closed until further notice.

Why It's Important

This initiative is crucial because it addresses the severe energy crisis affecting Cuba, marked by limited fuel supplies impacting various services and institutions. The project seeks to find sustainable ways to operate essential facilities like the Botanical Garden.

By exploring biomass conversion, the project offers a potential path towards energy self-sufficiency for the garden and contributes to a broader understanding of renewable energy possibilities within the country. It demonstrates a commitment to finding innovative solutions despite challenging circumstances.

What the Parties Say

The REVIV-e project is funded by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) and coordinated by the University of Zaragoza. Cuban institutions such as CUBAENERGIA, CUBASOLAR, and ECOMUNDO are also participating, alongside Spanish entities.

This project builds upon the earlier Mor-e program, also funded by AECID, which successfully established a pellet production plant using moringa biomass in 2024. The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to sustainable energy development.

What Comes Next

The REVIV-e project will continue its studies to evaluate energy alternatives that can support the functioning of the National Botanical Garden. The focus remains on demonstrating the technical and economic viability of using residual forest biomass in Cuba.

Further research and potential implementation of derived products like pellets and substrates will be observed. The success of these efforts could serve as a model for other Cuban institutions facing similar energy challenges.