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The Cuban regime asserts that its 25 photovoltaic solar parks connected to the National Electric System (SEN) are generating more energy than expected.
In the midst of the energy crisis affecting Cubans, with power outages lasting over 20 hours in many areas, engineer Mario Castillo Salas, an executive at the Electric Union (UNE), reported that solar parks regularly contribute more than 500 megawatts (MW) at noon, exceeding 2,570 megawatt-hours (MWh) in daily generation.
Granma presented the data as a significant advancement and emphasizes that these parks help alleviate electrical disruptions. In Ciego de Ávila, for instance, the solar plants generated over 16,500 MWh between July and August, avoiding the consumption of 4,290 tons of fuel and the emission of 140,000 tons of carbon dioxide, according to official figures.
However, the relief is minimal in the face of the depth of the national energy crisis. This Tuesday, the UNE reported a capacity deficit exceeding 1,600 MW, which resulted in continuous blackouts throughout the country, including during the early morning hours. On Monday, the maximum impact was 1,709 MW at 8:30 p.m., outside of peak hours.
The current production of the SEN barely reaches 2,130 MW against a demand that exceeds 3,300 MW, which results in prolonged service outages.
The causes of the collapse are numerous and persistent: breakdowns in key units of thermal power plants, maintenance at various plants, and a lack of fuel that leaves 39 distributed generation plants inactive.
The regime celebrates the contribution of solar energy, but the truth is that it represents only a fraction of what is needed to stabilize the system. The 2,613 MWh provided by solar parks this Tuesday, with a peak of 552 MW at noon, are not enough to cover the structural deficit.
Meanwhile, Cubans continue to face daily power outages, despite official promises to limit blackouts. In Havana, disruptions were reported from 2:00 p.m. until after midnight on Monday.
On social media, citizens describe how they have had to adapt to darkness and hardship. Many families bring their mattresses out to the porch at night, while others sleep on the rooftop to escape the suffocating heat during the blackouts.
Digital platforms have become spaces for denunciation and venting in the face of an electrical system that continues to provide no sustainable solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba and the Contribution of Solar Parks
How much do solar parks contribute to energy in Cuba?
Solar parks contribute more than 500 megawatts (MW) at noon, exceeding 2,570 megawatt hours (MWh) in daily generation. Although they represent a step forward, their contribution is insufficient to cover the structural deficit of Cuba's National Electric System (SEN).
Why do blackouts persist in Cuba despite the solar parks?
Power outages continue due to a capacity deficit exceeding 1,600 MW. The causes are numerous: breakdowns in thermoelectric plants, extended maintenance, and a lack of fuel, which leaves several distributed generation plants inactive.
What are the main causes of the energy collapse in Cuba?
The energy collapse in Cuba is primarily due to breakdowns in key units of the thermal power plants, prolonged maintenance, and a severe lack of fuel. These causes have left many distributed generation plants inactive, worsening the electricity crisis.
What impact do solar parks have on the environment in Cuba?
The solar parks in Cuba have prevented the consumption of 4,290 tons of fuel and the emission of 140,000 tons of carbon dioxide. While their environmental impact is positive, their energy contribution is not enough to address the current crisis.
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