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Julian Havana Energetic Time in Cuba
Julian (left) and trade mission colleagues beside some marabu plants (opens in new window)
How can you turn an invasive weed into a valuable energy crop? That was the issue SAC’s Senior Rural Business consultant Julian Bell faced as part of a trade mission to Cuba where he was investigating the government’s plans.
The mission was to identify where Scottish research and consultancy expertise can help Cuba harvest an African shrub called Marabu for energy generation. In addition to Julian’s input, the visit involved leading bio-fuel researchers from Napier, Heriot Watt and Strathclyde Universities. The trade mission was funded by Scottish Development International and UK renewable company Havana Energy. In addition to Julian’s input, the visit involved leading bio-fuel researchers from Napier, Heriot Watt and Strathclyde Universities.
Since the fall of the Soviet Union, demand for Cuban sugar has collapsed leading to the abandonment of millions of hectares of prime arable land, the loss of vital export earnings and jobs. Efforts to restore land to productive use have been hampered by a number of problems including the spread of Marabu!
Julian explained: “There are about 3 million hectares of abandoned land in Cuba, one million of which are covered by marabu – and it is spreading rapidly. The problem at the moment is that that cost of clearing the weed is huge and the longer it is left the bigger a problem it will be”.
”Initial findings suggest that it should be feasible to harvest, chip and transport the Marabu for energy production. Follow-up testing and feasibility studies are planned. If successful, Cuba should be able to turn a pest in to a valuable resource, generating income along the way to reinvest in food production and creating jobs.”
The team met government officials, visited stands of marabou and saw harvesting operations, sugar mills and energy crop trials in the centre of the country.
Havana Energy, which is chaired by former energy minister Brian Wilson, is working with the Cuban government to develop renewable energy resources on the island.