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Two Cubans were arrested and charged with stealing five metal beams from a solar park still under construction in Colón, Matanzas.
"The authorities intercepted Ariel Andrés Hernández while he was transporting five metal beams measuring between 3 and 4 meters in length on an electric tricycle, in the vicinity of the Perico-Colón highway, at the entrance of the latter town," is stated in a post by Con Todos La Victoria, a Facebook profile associated with the government.
According to the information, "subsequent investigations determined that the stolen material corresponds to components used in the support bases for photovoltaic solar panels."
The beams had been acquired with the complicity of Juan Manuel Contreras Ordóñez, the custodian of the photovoltaic park located on the Deseada estate.
The information specifies that the two defendants are in custody and "will face charges for their alleged involvement in this criminal act."
The possible involvement of other individuals is still being investigated.
The official profile states that this theft from an "energy facility of importance to the region (...) is a sensitive issue because it is the safest alternative for electricity generation and to minimize the impact on the population."
With this type of information, the government seeks to divert attention from the source of the public's distress regarding the constant blackouts and, in doing so, warns that any manifestation in this regard will be punished "exemplarily."
The Deseada solar park is in the phase of "completion and synchronization with the National Electroenergy System," according to a recent post from the Ministry of Construction.
In February, the police of the municipality of Jovellanos, also in Matanzas, discovered that stolen products from the photovoltaic park were being sold in the local market.
Major Yadira Prieto Vega, head of instruction at MININT, explained that the specialists at the park identified the stolen screws that the self-employed individuals were selling illegally, as these are parts that are not available for sale through any other means.
"They are being used in the assembly, both of the tables and in the installation of the solar panels directly," he detailed on the television news.
The police investigation has not yet been able to determine who stole the screws from the construction site and how they made their way to the market. So far, only a certain amount has been recovered.
In December 2024, news emerged about the theft of solar panels that provide energy to water pumping systems in rural communities in Las Tunas where there is no access to water.
The regime has warned that those involved in these thefts could be charged with the crime of sabotage—which carries harsher penalties—since these acts are related to the national electric power system.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thefts at Solar Parks in Cuba
What happened to the stolen metal beams at the solar park in Matanzas?
Two Cubans were arrested for stealing five metal beams from a solar park under construction in Colón, Matanzas. The beams were intercepted while being transported on an electric tricycle and are related to the support structure for solar panels. The accused are in custody and face charges for their alleged involvement in the crime.
Why is security important in Cuban solar parks?
Security in solar parks is crucial because these facilities are part of the government's plan to mitigate the energy crisis in Cuba. The theft of materials, such as those that occurred in Matanzas and other locations, not only results in economic losses but also delays the launch of vital projects for renewable energy generation in the country.
What other criminal incidents have affected solar parks in Cuba?
In addition to the theft of metal beams in Matanzas, other thefts have been reported at solar parks in Cuba. In February 2025, the illegal sale of stolen screws from a photovoltaic park was detected in the local market. Also, in December 2024, there were thefts of solar panels in Las Tunas, affecting the water supply in rural communities.
How is the Cuban government addressing the thefts at solar parks?
The Cuban government has intensified security measures and investigations to prevent and address thefts in solar parks. Exemplary trials have been conducted, and security measures have been strengthened at the facilities to protect materials and ensure the progress of renewable energy projects.
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