President Miguel Díaz-Canel promised this week an improvement in the electricity crisis in Cuba with the installation of photovoltaic parks that will generate over 500 MW of solar energy in the first half of this year, as part of a strategy to overcome the blackouts affecting the country.
During his visit to the village of Cumanayagua in Villa Clara, he stated that two solar parks will be inaugurated in February, and another six in March, which will provide an additional 180 MW.
Additionally, it was pledged that by the end of 2025, 55 solar parks will have been built with a capacity of 1,200 MW.
However, these announcements come amid a long history of unfulfilled promises by the Cuban regime regarding the recovery of the electrical system.
The country continues to suffer from constant blackouts, and the National Electric System (SEN) keeps collapsing, which raises doubts about the viability of the ambitious goals set by the government; especially since the issue of renewable energy in Cuba is already regarded as "a fairy tale" by some political analysts.
The economist Rafaela Cruz pointed out in a recent article for the independent outlet Diario de Cuba that "to pretend that the Government that has taken Cuba back to the Stone Age will be the same one to turn it into a modern country fully powered by clean energy can only be a propaganda trick to offer unrealistic solutions to real problems."
The regime continues to insist that the installation of solar panels is a scientific advancement, as highlighted by Alfredo López Valdés, the general director of Unión Eléctrica, who stated that there are 26 solar parks under construction at various stages across the country.
However, the results so far have been scarce, as most solutions in this field have been limited by the high costs and the lack of management capacity of the Cuban government.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis and Photovoltaic Parks in Cuba
How many photovoltaic parks are planned to be built in Cuba by 2025?
It is planned to build 55 solar parks with a capacity of 1,200 MW before the end of 2025. This figure is part of the Cuban government's commitment to improve the electricity crisis by implementing renewable energies, despite doubts about the viability of these projects due to unmet promises in the past.
How does the Cuban government plan to address the current energy crisis?
The Cuban government plans to address the energy crisis by installing photovoltaic parks. These parks are expected to generate over 500 MW of solar energy in the first half of 2025. However, the lack of previous results and the deteriorated infrastructure raise serious doubts about the success of this strategy.
What do experts think about Cuba's renewable energy plan?
Experts and economists question the feasibility of the Cuban government's approach to renewable energies. They believe that the regime uses these projects as propaganda and that, without significant changes in management and funding, it is unlikely that the current energy crisis will be resolved.
Filed under:
