Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Potential and Grid-Integration Feasibility for the Cuban Power System

Abstract

As Cuba advances toward ambitious renewable energy targets, large-scale energy storage is essential to ensure grid stability and operational flexibility. Pumped Hydro Energy Storage (PHES) is the most mature technology for providing long-duration storage. This study proposes an integrated GIS-based screening and engineering validation methodology for PHES site selection and presents the first academic application of the Australian National University (ANU) Global Pumped Hydro Atlas to the Cuban context. Rather than replacing historical engineering studies, the proposed methodology complements them through automated geospatial analysis, local infrastructure assessment, environmental screening, and engineering validation. The GIS analysis identified 92 potential off-river closed-loop PHES sites across Cuba, including 14 sites in the 500 GWh storage class and 78 sites in the 150 GWh storage class, substantially expanding the national inventory. Comparison between the GIS-derived candidates and historical investigations demonstrates strong agreement between both approaches, while the Mayarí project serves as a representative case study for local validation. The results confirm significant PHES potential distributed across Cuba’s three main mountainous regions, with several sites exhibiting favourable hydraulic heads and cost classifications. The proposed methodology provides a transferable framework for integrating legacy engineering knowledge with modern GIS-based planning tools in islanded and developing power systems while highlighting the need for supportive regulatory frameworks to accelerate future PHES deployment.