Amid the worst energy crisis in its history, the Cuban regime announced an ambitious plan, which includes the striking goal of generating nearly 600 MW of photovoltaic solar energy during the first half of 2025.
The announcement was made on Tuesday during a session of the Commission of Industry, Construction, and Energy of the National Assembly of People's Power (ANPP), led by the Minister of Energy and Mines (MINEM), Vicente de la O Levy.
The official detailed that the strategy includes the monthly synchronization of five solar parks, each with an average capacity of 21 MW. According to their calculations, the total generation would reach 590 MW by the middle of next year.
"In February, we have two parks incorporated; six more parks in March. And every month, on average, we will be synchronizing five photovoltaic solar parks. If we multiply that by the capacity of each park, which is 21 MW, we are saying that in the first half of the year we will have around 590 MW synchronized," stated De la O Levy in an interview with the Cuban Television News (NTV).
The head of MINEM also addressed plans to enhance thermal and distributed generation, which have been affected by ongoing blackouts on the island. The Felton 2 thermal unit, one of the most critical plants, is currently undergoing repairs following the fire it experienced in July 2022.
"The process of dismantling that boiler is an engineering task that has been fully completed. Everything was disassembled as it should have been. At present, we are resolving issues and there are already levels of steel metals in Cuba to produce with our engineering, our industry, and in collaboration with the Ministry of Metallurgical Industry," De la O Levy explained, celebrating the completion of an operation that began in August 2022, with a conclusion expected by the end of 2024.
In addition to promises for the gradual reduction of power outages, the minister stated that a "significant recovery" is expected by the end of 2025, which could stabilize the electricity supply by 2026.
"These disruptions, which have averaged between 1,400 and 1,500 MW, will be significantly reduced gradually until the end of next year. We assert that we will begin the year 2026 with a substantial and significant recovery to continue making progress," the head of MINEM stated.
As expected, the attending representatives supported the government plans.
Deputy Angélica María Chorens Fernández emphasized that "the recovery of the national electric power system (SEN) is a priority not only to improve the quality of life for the people but also to promote the economic and social development of the country."
"It is clear to me that the road is long, but it is sustainable and sovereign. And I believe that is what we must defend," said Deputy Dayana Beira Fernández, emphasizing as a "representative of the people" the need to be patient and to trust in the government of the 'continuity' of Miguel Díaz-Canel.
However, despite the official announcements, doubts remain about the project's viability due to a lack of funding, technology, and the structural deterioration of Cuba's energy system. Independent experts have pointed out that previous plans in the electricity sector have failed due to poor management and a reliance on foreign technologies that are difficult to maintain.
The promises of Vicente and the skepticism of the people
Vicente de la O Levy has made multiple promises regarding the improvement of the SEN, many of which have yet to be realized.
In September, De la O Levy announced the launch of two photovoltaic solar parks, each with a capacity of 21 MW, as part of a larger 2,000 MW project aimed at advancing "energy sovereignty."
Furthermore, he promised that by 2025 the government would be able to generate at least one minute of electricity without relying on imported fuel, a claim that was met with criticism and skepticism from the public.
The lack of tangible results and the ongoing electrical difficulties have raised questions about the effectiveness of the implemented strategies and the government's ability to ensure a stable and reliable power supply.
In this context, the recent announcement to generate nearly 600 MW of solar energy in the first half of 2025 faces skepticism from a population that has heard similar promises in the past without seeing significant improvements.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cuban regime's energy plan
What is the objective of the solar energy plan announced by the Cuban regime?
The goal of the Cuban regime is to generate nearly 600 MW of photovoltaic solar energy in the first half of 2025, synchronizing five solar parks each month, with an average capacity of 21 MW each. This strategy is part of a broader effort to move towards "energy sovereignty."
What challenges does Cuba face in achieving its solar energy plans?
Cuba faces significant challenges in fulfilling its solar energy plans, such as a lack of funding, technology, and the structural deterioration of its energy system. Independent experts have expressed skepticism about the project's feasibility due to poor management and reliance on foreign technologies that are difficult to maintain.
What other measures is the Cuban government taking to improve the electricity supply?
In addition to solar energy projects, the Cuban government is working on the repair of thermal power plants, such as Unit Felton 2, and on improving distributed generation. A "significant recovery" of the electricity supply is anticipated by 2026, although doubts about the effectiveness of these measures remain.
How long will it take to achieve greater stability in the electricity supply in Cuba?
The Cuban regime has promised an improvement in the energy situation by the end of 2025, with stability expected by 2026. However, the population remains skeptical due to unfulfilled promises in the past and the lack of tangible solutions.
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