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The Cuban regime revealed on Friday the main reasons that have led to the prolonged energy crisis on the island, characterized by frequent and extended blackouts and a serious impact on the National Electric System (SEN).
In an official statement posted in a thread on X, the structural and economic reasons that have slowed the recovery of the energy sector were detailed, affecting both the population and the country's economic activity.
According to the report from the Government of Cuba, the main causes of the power outages are:
Lack of foreign currency: The scarcity of financial resources has hindered the acquisition of materials and equipment necessary for the renovation and maintenance of energy infrastructure.
Delays in maintenance and technological recapitalization: The modernization of thermal power plants has been postponed, leading to a reduction in their electricity generation capacity.
Slowdown in Energy Matrix Update: The transition to more sustainable energy sources has not progressed at the necessary pace.
Fuel scarcity: The difficulty in securing an adequate supply of fuels has led to a decline in energy production.
As a result, it is noted that there have been significant losses in electricity generation capacity.
Thermal power plants have experienced a reduction of approximately 3,731 GWh over the past five years. In addition, the availability of fuel and diesel engines has dropped to 39% and 37%, respectively, showing a declining trend, according to the authorities.
It states that mobile generation has also decreased its capacity by 24.2% compared to 2023, while renewable energy accounts for only 4% of the total electricity generated in the country.
These failures have caused multiple disconnections from the national electricity grid, resulting in power outages across various regions and affecting thousands of Cubans.
In light of this situation, the Government asserts that it has presented "a recovery plan for the sector, led by Commander Ramiro Valdés Menéndez, aimed at meeting the energy demand of the population and ensuring the stability of the electrical system."
The SEN Recovery Program includes an inter-institutional approach that prioritizes energy sovereignty and the transition to cleaner and more efficient energy sources, the note emphasizes.
A key point in this program is the expansion of electricity generation capacity through solar parks. The government announced that by the end of the first half of 2025, more than 500 MW of energy generated by solar panels would be added, with a projection of 1,800 MW by the end of next year; however, this Friday, it lowered its forecast to 1,000 MW.
Among the measures mentioned in the official statement are investments in photovoltaic solar energy projects, with plans to install plants of 1,000 MW each, aimed at increasing renewable generation capacity in the short and medium term. "It is expected that by the end of 2025, approximately 1,100 MW from renewable projects will be connected to the National Electric System," it details.
Additionally, the government announced a wage increase for workers in the electrical sector starting in January 2025, aimed at improving the efficiency and motivation of the personnel responsible for maintaining and operating the energy system.
These measures aim to stabilize the Cuban energy system and minimize the impact on the population, in a complex economic and financial context. The government has emphasized that the recovery of the sector is a national priority and requires a collective effort from all involved institutions.
However, Cubans no longer believe in the promises that the crisis will be resolved in the short to medium term.
Despite the promise of renewable energy, a few weeks ago, the independent outlet Diario De Cuba reported in an investigative article that "considering that the average international cost of installing one kilowatt of renewable energy ranges from $1,000 to $5,000—using photovoltaic and wind sources—replacing the current installed electricity generation capacity in Cuba, which is 6,000 MW (megawatts), would cost between $6 billion and $30 billion, in addition to a similar amount needed to modernize the electric grid and install storage batteries, since renewable energy does not generate continuously and stably."
This indicates that the regime's promise will be another failed test, and it's "delusional" for the Castro regime to claim that it will fulfill this by 2030, when it expects to generate 24% of its electricity from clean sources.
"However, to achieve such a proportion of electricity generation starting from the current 5% of installed renewable energy, the government would need to allocate around 1.2 billion dollars annually to this issue over the next five years, including solar and wind farms, battery fields, and the renewal of a dilapidated electrical grid," stated the mentioned analysis, titled "The Unsustainability of Sustainable Energy for Cuba."
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What are the main causes of power outages in Cuba?
The main causes of power outages in Cuba are the lack of foreign currency, inadequate maintenance of electrical infrastructure, and fuel shortages. These challenges have resulted in a significant deficit in electricity generation capacity, impacting both the population and the country's economy.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has announced a plan to revitalize the energy sector, which includes modernizing thermal power plants and increasing renewable generation capacity through photovoltaic parks. However, these promises have been met with skepticism from the public, who doubt their short-term effectiveness.
How are power outages affecting the daily lives of Cubans?
Power outages are seriously impacting the daily lives of Cubans, disrupting essential services such as electricity, water, and healthcare. This situation has led to increasing discontent and protests in various regions of the country, reflecting the population's frustration with the government's ineffective management.
What role do renewable energies play in solving the Cuban energy crisis?
Renewable energy plays a limited role in addressing Cuba's energy crisis, currently accounting for only 4% of the electricity generated in the country. Although the government has announced plans for expansion in this sector, inadequate investment and outdated infrastructure hinder significant progress in the short term.
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