Cuba: Government admits energy difficulties and prolonged blackouts
Prime Minister Manuel Marrero is focusing on the development of photovoltaics to reduce the population's inconveniences
Quick Look
- The Cuban government acknowledges popular dissatisfaction with frequent blackouts, blaming the crisis on the US blockade.
- Prime Minister Marrero is focusing on the expansion of photovoltaic, with 144 plants already active, to improve the energy stability of the island.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The Cuban government is facing a chronic energy crisis characterized by frequent power outages. The authorities are trying to mitigate the problem through the expansion of the photovoltaic sector.
The government of Cuba recognizes the difficulties of the population dealing with frequent and prolonged blackouts.
"There is great and understandable dissatisfaction," said Prime Minister Manuel Marrero, attributing the difficulties mainly to the "oil blockade" of the United States. Speaking on President Miguel Diaz-Canel's podcast, the Prime Minister admitted that the measures adopted so far are not sufficient to obtain the consent of citizens.
“We will not get recognition yet until this translates into a reduction in blackout hours,” he said, underlining that the government has started a transformation program to try to improve the island's energy situation.
Among the main initiatives is the development of photovoltaic parks. According to Marrero, 144 plants are already in operation and provide approximately 1,418 megawatts, equal to 21.4% of the energy produced in the country. The goal is to reach 1,500 megawatts and continue the construction of new parks in 2027.
The government is also focusing on installing solar panels in homes and businesses. Marrero reported that 566 megawatts of photovoltaic capacity have been installed through this method, thanks also to tax breaks on imports and bank credits. However, the costs of the systems, which can exceed one thousand dollars, remain difficult for a large part of the population to afford.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Construction of new photovoltaic parks until 2027.
Likely · Within years
Open Questions
- How will the high costs for families be financed?
- What is the real timeline for reducing blackouts?
