Almacenamiento en baterías (BESS) Vs almacenamiento por bombeo (PSH): El reto técnico-económico cubano

BESS Vs PSH: The Cuban technical – economic challenge

Abstract

Cuba's current electricity situation is quite complex, and although harnessing solar radiation is a good option, it cannot achieve practical objectives without being complemented by an efficient form of energy storage. This is because the sun, like all natural sources, lacks stability and is only available for part of the day, or not at all. While multiple forms of energy storage exist, the most widely used internationally are batteries (BESS) and pumped storage hydropower (PSH). Both have technical and economic advantages and disadvantages, which are detailed in this article. Choosing one energy storage option over another should be preceded by a case-by-case analysis, always considering the most pressing needs, installation and maintenance costs of each technology, and its lifespan under the country's actual economic and primary energy resource conditions.