Objective

To conceive a measurement index of the utilization potential of renewable energy sources with appropriate technologies in 25 farms of Cuba.

Materials and Methods

A proposal was designed from the Delphi methodology, validated through Kendall’s coefficient of concordance. The Utilization Index of Renewable Energy Sources was obtained, applied in the del Medio farm, in Sancti Spíritus province, Cuba, from a longitudinal study with three different stages (1995-2000; 2001-2006; 2007-2016).

Results

As consequence of the implementation of the Index, it was determined that the energy self-supply in this farm is 83,6 %. During 2016, other 24 representative farms, which stand out for their participation in processes of technological innovation and development of agroecology principles, were evaluated. The situation they show regarding the use of renewable energy sources was characterized. Their poor utilization (only 20 % in the best case scenario) was observed.

Conclusions

The analysis of the Utilization Index of Renewable Energy Sources in the del Medio farm showed that, from the use of appropriate technologies, the energy demand is supplied in 83,7 % with renewable energy sources.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · English ( pdf ) | Spanish ( pdf )