The Cuban government announced that before the end of 2025, there will be 51 photovoltaic parks operating in the country, of which 32 are already synchronized with the National Electric System (SEN), as part of an emergency strategy to address the prolonged energy crisis.
The authorities project that these solar parks will provide more than 1,000 megawatts (MW) of energy before the end of the year. The plan also includes reaching a similar generation figure by 2026, thereby increasing the share of renewable energies within the national electric system.
Canal Caribe assured that the total cost of the investments "exceeds one billion dollars", a figure that has been entirely financed by the Cuban state, amid an economic crisis affecting all sectors of the country.
Of the 51 photovoltaic parks planned for 2025, seven were donated by China, and the rest are being built with national resources.
Moreover, four battery storage systems have been contracted, which will be installed at substations in Cueto, Bayamo, El Cotorro, and the Technological University of Havana (CUJAE), with the aim of stabilizing the electrical system and mitigating the so-called “DAF trips,” meaning automatic disconnections due to frequency deficits that affect the SEN.
The director of the Electric Union (UNE), Ing. Alfredo López, stated that these batteries will help compensate for the intermittency of solar parks, which is essential for maintaining system stability, especially during peak demand hours.
During a recent session of the Council of Ministers, the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel stated that "the program for the installation of photovoltaic parks is ongoing" and that thanks to these investments, the energy deficit has been "smaller."
"The concept is that we move forward, and we will overcome this," declared Díaz-Canel, although he acknowledged that "the population still does not perceive significant improvements" due to the blackouts continuing to be prolonged, sometimes exceeding 20 hours a day.
The president believes that solar parks have become “the workhorse during daylight hours” for generating electricity, in a context where distributed generation remains insufficient and thermal power plants are facing serious issues of obsolescence and lack of maintenance.
An emergency exit in the face of collapse
The serious energy crisis in Cuba for over five years has affected not only households but also strategic sectors such as industry, agriculture, trade, and basic services.
The government is committed to accelerating the implementation of renewable sources, especially solar energy, as an emergency solution in response to the collapse of the national electrical system.
Despite these announcements, the Council of Ministers itself acknowledged that the investments have not yet translated into a noticeable improvement for citizens. Energy uncertainty persists as Cubans continue to face prolonged blackouts, a lack of information, and precariousness in daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis and Solar Parks in Cuba
What is the Cuban government's objective with the installation of solar parks?
The Cuban government has announced plans to have 51 photovoltaic parks operational by the end of 2025, 32 of which are already synchronized. The goal is to tackle the prolonged energy crisis in the country through the use of renewable energy, with the aim of having these solar parks contribute more than 1,000 megawatts of energy before the end of the year.
How will the installation of solar parks affect the energy crisis in Cuba?
The Cuban government's investment in solar parks aims to alleviate the collapse of the national electric system. However, the population still does not perceive significant improvements, as power outages remain prolonged. Although these projects are expected to reduce the energy deficit, the lack of maintenance in thermal power plants and the fuel shortages continue to be critical issues.
What is the cost of investments in solar parks in Cuba?
The total cost of investments in solar parks in Cuba exceeds one billion dollars, fully financed by the Cuban government. This investment is made in the context of an economic crisis affecting all sectors of the country.
What role does China play in the development of solar parks in Cuba?
Of the 51 photovoltaic parks planned for 2025 in Cuba, seven have been donated by China. This demonstrates a collaboration between the two countries in the field of renewable energy.
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