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The Cuban government received the first batch of equipment donated by China on Wednesday for the installation of photovoltaic solar parks, as part of a joint project aimed at adding 120 megawatts (MW) to the deteriorated national electric system (SEN), which has experienced four massive blackouts in just six months.
According to the official newspaper Granma, these first components began to be distributed to Artemisa, Pinar del Río, Las Tunas, Holguín, Granma, and Guantánamo, provinces heavily affected by prolonged blackouts and fuel shortages.
During the official event near the port of Mariel, the Cuban Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, Déborah Rivas Saavedra, thanked the Chinese government for expediting this collaboration.
Hua Xin, the Chinese ambassador to Cuba, stated that these new solar parks could significantly reduce the consumption of fossil fuels. Furthermore, they would help to decrease the blackouts that affect the population daily.
This project, in the form of a donation, is managed by Shanghai Electric and the Electric Union of Cuba, and is expected to be fully completed by 2025.
Last November, an executive from a Chinese company that distributes solar technology in Cuba stated that this type of energy is the long-awaited solution for the country, which has faced an unprecedented energy crisis in recent years.
Qiaoming Huang, president of Hangzhou Duojia Technology Co. Ltd, stated to the news agency Reuters that: “We believe that solar panels are the definitive solution in this country where there is plenty of sunshine to address the changes in the energy matrix.”
In that regard, the Cuban regime inaugurated three photovoltaic parks in Cuba, donated by the China International Development Cooperation Agency.
The authorities reiterated their commitment to add 1,000 MW to Cuba's energy matrix through upcoming investments in photovoltaic parks. However, these projections are confronted with the harsh reality of an outdated and poorly managed system.
At the inauguration of the first one, in Havana, attended by the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel and Commander Ramiro Valdés. Located in the municipality of Cotorro, the "Nursing School" park is the first of these facilities from the so-called Project B.
In the midst of the worst energy crisis in its history, the Cuban regime
Recently, the government announced that it was preparing to inaugurate the Ciego Norte Photovoltaic Solar Park, in the province of Ciego de Ávila, with a generation capacity of 21.87 megawatts (MW), which was in its final assembly phase.
According to the Facebook post by the newspaper Invasor, it is expected to synchronize with the SEN at the end of this month, amid an energy crisis that severely affects the population.
Frequently Asked Questions about China's Donation of Solar Equipment to Cuba
What equipment has China donated to Cuba to improve its energy system?
China has donated equipment for the installation of photovoltaic solar parks in Cuba, with the aim of adding 120 megawatts (MW) to the deteriorated National Electric System (SEN). This donation is part of a joint project between Shanghai Electric and Cuba's Electric Union.
What are the expectations of the Cuban government regarding solar energy?
The Cuban government hopes that the installation of solar parks will significantly contribute to reducing fossil fuel consumption and decrease the blackouts that affect the population. They aim to generate 1,000 MW of solar energy by 2025 and reach 2,000 MW by 2028, as part of their energy transition strategy.
What challenges does Cuba face in implementing its solar energy plan?
Cuba faces several significant challenges in implementing its solar energy plan, such as the lack of investment in infrastructure, poor management of the electrical system, and reliance on foreign technologies. Additionally, the context of economic crisis and the need for financing for large-scale projects complicate the feasibility of its ambitious goals.
How has the Cuban population reacted to the government's solar energy plans?
Despite official announcements, the Cuban population remains skeptical about the viability of the government's solar energy plans. A history of unfulfilled promises and the persistence of power outages have led to a lack of trust in the regime's ability to effectively and sustainably resolve the energy crisis.
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