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The Cuban government inaugurated a solar photovoltaic park on Friday in the municipality of Colón, Matanzas, amid one of the worst economic and energy crises in recent history, characterized by power outages of up to 20 hours that are punishing the population.
The information was published by the official portal Cubadebate, which showcased the presence of the Commander of the Revolution and Vice Prime Minister, Ramiro Valdés Menéndez, along with authorities from the Communist Party and provincial leaders, as a “ceremony” for the inauguration.
The event included acknowledgments and speeches for workers and teams who, according to the report, adhered to the project's schedule.
The facility has a capacity of 21.8 megawatts (MW), a figure the government presents as a "step towards energy sovereignty," an argument that seems to have emerged from a fictional novel titled "The Achievements of the Cuban Revolution."
However, the opening of this park contrasts with the reality faced by Cubans, who are subjected to prolonged blackouts, a crisis exacerbated by the recent shutdown of unit 1 of the Felton thermoelectric plant in Holguín.
For many citizens, these official ceremonies sound more like propaganda than real solutions.
With the new park, Cuba has added 29 solar installations of similar capacity, reaching a total of 632 MW in operation. This figure is far from meeting national demand and provides only marginal relief to the electrical system.
While the authorities celebrate inaugurations and announce new projects in Matanzas, Cárdenas, and Jovellanos, millions of Cubans continue to live amid candles, makeshift stoves, and entire nights without electricity.
Recently, the regime inaugurated a new solar park spanning 32 hectares in Havana, while the energy crisis on the island continues.
The second park built in the Havana municipality of Boyeros, just a few meters from the National Sanctuary of San Lázaro (El Rincón), was inaugurated, as is customary, by the nonagenarian commander Ramiro Valdés Menéndez, one of the historical figures of the regime.
The 21.8 MW park features an effigy of Fidel Castro, "the greatest visionary this beautiful Homeland has ever had," reads the post from the Renewable Energy Sources Company (EMFRE), although the late dictator had requested to avoid the use of his image.
In August, the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM) reported that by that time, 27 photovoltaic solar parks out of the 51 planned for this year had been synchronized, representing a 53% of the projected plan.
Moreover, the regime's institution stated on the social media platform X that these advancements are part of the National Electric System Recovery Program, which aims to "reduce" blackout hours and "move towards the country's energy sovereignty" with greater use of renewable sources.
At that moment, the government stated that its solar parks are generating more energy than expected, an argument that could easily be seen as a joke since it not only failed to reduce blackouts during the summer as promised, but the crisis has intensified in recent days.
Frequently Asked Questions about Solar Parks in Cuba and the Energy Crisis
What is the capacity of the new photovoltaic solar park inaugurated in Colón, Matanzas?
The new solar park in Colón, Matanzas, has a capacity of 21.8 megawatts (MW). This park is part of an effort by the Cuban regime to improve the country's energy matrix amidst a severe energy crisis. However, the real impact of these parks remains limited, and they do not succeed in resolving the prolonged blackouts that affect the Cuban population.
How many similar solar parks does Cuba currently have in operation?
Cuba has 29 solar photovoltaic parks with capacity similar to that of Colón. In total, these parks add up to 632 MW in operation, which is insufficient to meet the national energy demand and only provides minimal relief to the country’s electric system.
Why are solar parks not solving the energy crisis in Cuba?
Solar parks in Cuba, while presented as a step towards energy sovereignty, do not resolve the crisis due to the lack of adequate infrastructure and the deficit in power generation. Additionally, the lack of storage systems limits the use of solar energy to daylight hours. The crisis is exacerbated by outdated thermal power plants and fuel shortages, leading to prolonged blackouts and widespread discontent among the population.
What impact does official propaganda have on the public perception of solar projects in Cuba?
The official propaganda attempts to present solar projects as a significant achievement, but the reality of constant blackouts and the lack of tangible improvements generate skepticism and distrust among the public. Citizens question the actual utility of these investments and criticize that the propaganda seems more focused on fueling the government's narrative than on addressing the energy needs of the Cuban people.
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