SMRs as a Pillar of Cuba's Energy

Sovereignty and Geopolitical Strategy

A Technical-Strategic Proposal Aligned with the AURO Plan

1. Introduction: Cuba's Energy Crossroads

Updated Key Facts (2024):

 Critical dependency: 95% of fossil fuels imported (mainly from Venezuela and Russia), costing over $2.8B/year (CEPAL, 2024).

 Impact of blackouts: Estimated GDP loss of 18% in 2023, including a 34% drop in tourism revenue

 Untapped potential:Cuba receives 5.5 kWh/m²/day of solar radiation

ideal for hybrid SMR+renewables mix, aiming for 90% clean autonomy.

"Real Cost of Cuba's Energy Status Quo (2020-2024)" comparing fossil imports, blackout losses, and SMR investment requirements.

2. SMRs: The Technical Solution for Cuba

Why SMRs Fit Cuba Perfectly:

 Scalable from 50 MW (provincial) to 300 MW (national grid).

 Hurricane-resistant: Underground containment vessels.

 Fuel flexibility: LEU uranium or thorium options available. Model

Ruble financing, proven in warm climates

Turnkey + training

Compatible with weak grid infrastructures

3. Bypassing the Embargo: A Geopolitical Roadmap

Robust Implementation Strategy:

 Financing: From BRICS Development Bank or debt swaps.

 Legal Shelter: Nuclear Special Economic Zone in Cienfuegos.

 Alliances: Technical knowledge transfer from Argentina (CAREM), India (thorium tech).

Interactive Map Suggestion: "Strategic Path to SMRs in Cuba" → funding flows, partnerships, timeline.

4. Economic Sovereignty & Business Opportunities

Dual-Use Benefits:

 Water: One 200 MW SMR can desalinate 150,000 m³/day (for 1M people).

 Green Hydrogen: Export potential of 50,000 tons/year at $4-6/kg.

 Medical Isotopes: Could supply 30% of Latin America’s demand ($500M market).

Suggested Infographic: "Value Chain of an SMR in Cuba: From Electricity to Exportable Hydrogen"

5. Risk Mitigation with Data

Obstacle Solution

U.S. Sanctions

Public Perception

Real Example

Use of Russian/Indian/Argentineonly technology Rosatom operates in Iran under sanctions

IAEA campaigns + site visits to Russia/China plants Vietnam approved SMRs after public surveys

Financing BRICS funds + advance hydrogen sales to Europe/China

Egypt funded SMRs via pre-sale agreements

6. AURO Plan Integration: Strategic Leverage

Key Synergies:

 Logistics: Mariel port (China) for modular imports.

 Industry: Stable power for lithium battery plants (Bolivia partnership).

 Diplomacy: Hydrogen/water exports to CARICOM for political alignment.

Quote:

"An SMR in Cuba is more than a power plant: it’s a strategic anchor to make the island the energy hub of the Caribbean and a top green hydrogen exporter in Latin America."

7. Roadmap 2025-2030 (Key Metrics)

Phase Actions

Success Indicators

2025 Agreements with Rosatom/CNNC, impact studies MOUs with 2 technical partners

20262027 Construction in Cienfuegos or Mariel 30% completion + 500 technicians trained

20282030 Grid connection + hydrogen production 200 MW operational + first export contract signed

Progress Chart Suggestion: "Cumulative Benefits 2025-2035: Imports Saved + Exports Gained"

Conclusion: Cuba at the 21st Century Crossroads

Final Decision-Making Data:

 Cost of Inaction: $30B+ in 10 years (imports + GDP losses).

 ROI: 6-8 years (vs. 20+ years for traditional plants).

 Unique Capability: Cuba has 15,000 trained nuclear engineers more than the entire Caribbean combined.

Call to Action:

"The question is no longer whether Cuba can afford an SMR… but whether it can afford not to have one. The geopolitical and climate clocks are ticking."