China makes second donation for Cuba's Electric System

China sends a second donation of generator parts to Cuba amid an energy crisis marked by widespread blackouts. The cooperation aims to improve the Cuban electrical system.

Donation from China to CubaPhoto © Anayansi Rodríguez Camejo on X

Related videos:

The Chinese government sent a second shipment of parts and accessories for the generators in Cuba this Sunday, as part of the agreements between both countries to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

The power outages are increasing in the Caribbean country, with several generation units out of service. The energy crisis has Cubans cooking with firewood and charcoal, as they did in the 19th century.

The Cuban ambassador in China, Alberto Blanco, expressed his gratitude to the Chinese Communist Party for the support provided. “These supplies are essential for the recovery of distributed generation capacities in our country,” he stated.

On her part, the Cuban Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anayansi Rodríguez Camejo, emphasized the importance of this shipment in addressing the energy crisis.

“We thank China for sending a second shipment of donated parts and accessories for the generator sets in Cuba. The recovery of the National Electroenergetic System is a priority for the Cuban government,” Rodríguez wrote on X.

Multisectoral cooperation between Cuba and China

The donations correspond to the agreements between Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, to establish a multisectoral collaboration encompassing areas such as political dialogue, global security, and the Belt and Road Initiative for Development.

The negotiations include the implementation of strategic projects in sectors such as energy, transportation, and food security, aiming to strengthen the economic and social capacities of the Island. However, the results are not yet reflected in the quality of life of the people.

The regime asserts that the energy cooperation between Cuba and China is solidifying as an essential pillar in the bilateral relationship and that this second delivery reaffirms the commitment of both nations.

Acute energy crisis in Cuba since 2020

The energy crisis in Cuba has been a persistent issue that has severely impacted the daily lives of citizens. The government has attempted to alleviate the situation through various strategies, but the results have yet to materialize.

According to a announcement made at the end of 2024, a proposal was presented to reduce blackouts in the country, based on a combination of adjustments in distribution and optimization of the electrical system.

These measures have not succeeded in stabilizing the energy supply. At the beginning of 2025, the energy landscape is critical.

On January 7, it was reported that the recovery of 38 generator sets has begun as part of an effort to improve the country's electricity generation capacity. These actions have been insufficient to meet the growing energy demand.

On January 20, 2025, the situation worsened, with massive blackouts reported across the national territory. The energy deficit exceeded 40%, leading to a significant increase in power service interruptions. This worsening has intensified criticism of the government’s handling of the energy crisis.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba and Cooperation with China

What is the purpose of the donation from China to Cuba's electrical system?

The donation from China is intended to improve Cuba's electrical system by sending parts and accessories for the generators. This support is part of the bilateral agreements between the two countries, aimed at addressing the energy crisis facing the island.

How does the energy crisis affect daily life in Cuba?

The energy crisis in Cuba has severely impacted the daily lives of citizens, forcing them to revert to traditional cooking methods such as wood and charcoal. Furthermore, frequent and prolonged blackouts have caused dissatisfaction and criticism towards the government's management.

What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the energy crisis?

The Cuban government has implemented several strategies to alleviate the energy crisis, such as the repair of generators and the proposal of a plan to reduce blackouts by optimizing the electrical system. However, these measures have not been sufficient to stabilize the energy supply.

What other areas of cooperation exist between Cuba and China?

The cooperation between Cuba and China encompasses multiple sectors, including energy, transportation, and food security. These agreements are part of a multisectoral collaboration aimed at strengthening the economic and social capacities of Cuba, although the results have not yet been reflected in the quality of life of the Cuban people.

Filed under:

CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.