In an attempt to mask its ongoing energy troubles, the Cuban regime is pushing solar energy as a solution, now introducing "solar stations" to recharge electric tricycles, scooters, and cars across the island. A recent report from the state-run Canal Caribe highlighted how the Camilo Cienfuegos Electronic Industry in Havana is using these systems to power its electric vehicles while also providing services to the public.
During the broadcast, Enrique, a driver of one of the electric tricycles, explained that he takes advantage of his lunch break to plug his vehicle into the photovoltaic network. "I connect it to charge, and by the afternoon, it's ready to go," he shared. This portrayal of efficiency forms part of the government's campaign to promote a solar-powered future.
Cuba's Solar Stations: A Flicker of Hope in a Dark Electrical Landscape
Yet, the initiative to establish solar charging stations and solar parks arises amidst a dire backdrop of chronic fuel shortages and an aging National Electric System (SEN), which has been largely neglected and is on the brink of collapse due to decades of underinvestment.
How Do Solar Charging Stations Work?
Solar charging stations operate through a relatively straightforward system. Photovoltaic panels convert sunlight into direct current electricity, which an inverter then transforms into alternating current suitable for vehicles or the grid. In many advanced countries, these systems are equipped with storage batteries to ensure power availability at night or during cloudy days.
Such hybrid or off-grid models are crucial for maintaining consistent service beyond daylight hours. In countries like Spain, electric charging stations, whether solar or not, are a well-established public and private infrastructure, with roughly 16,000 public charging points, especially in urban areas and major corridors.
Innovative projects like Barcelona's "MetroCharge" system utilize energy regenerated from metro braking, combined with solar panels, to power nearby charging stations. Meanwhile, China's deployment is extensive, hosting over half of the world's public charging stations as of 2019, including more than 800,000 points with 760,000 fast chargers.
The Stark Reality: Cuba's Isolated Solar Efforts
Companies such as XPeng and Volkswagen are constructing ultra-fast charging networks across 420 cities with more than 20,000 points. Technologies like rapid battery swapping, spearheaded by Nio, allow for battery changes in under five minutes at over 1,300 stations. The disparity is stark; while other nations offer continuity and independence through these stations, Cuba's solar stations are isolated, lacking storage and real expansion capability.
Solar Promises Versus Daily Blackouts in Cuba
For instance, the Cuban government has announced plans to build over 50 photovoltaic parks by 2025, aiming for a 1,200 MW capacity. As recently as March, Miguel Díaz-Canel assured that this summer would see an addition of 560 MW of solar power, claiming it would meet midday demand. However, blackouts persist nationwide, and aging thermoelectric plants struggle to operate.
The Electric Union (UNE) has claimed that solar energy "fuels the hope of millions of Cubans." Nevertheless, official statistics clash with daily experiences of blackouts exceeding 12 hours, halted industries, and households in dire straits.
Energy and Mining Minister Vicente de la O Levy admitted that, while the plan includes installing 1,000 MW of solar power this year, there are no batteries yet to store this electricity. This means that power generation will only be usable during daylight hours, leaving nights, when demand is highest, plagued by inevitable blackouts.
The dependency on foreign donations and equipment, such as panels and storage containers from China, highlights the program's fragility and inability to provide a sustainable solution. As the government churns out optimistic reports and headlines about solar stations and photovoltaic parks, the underlying truth is that the regime is attempting to cover up the structural failure of a devastated electrical system.
With no maintenance, thermoelectric plants over 40 years old, plummeting domestic crude production, and a lack of funding to modernize the grid, Cuba relies on promises that are unlikely to bring relief to its people.
Understanding Cuba's Solar Energy Efforts
What are solar charging stations?
Solar charging stations are facilities equipped with photovoltaic panels that convert sunlight into electricity, which is then used to charge electric vehicles.
How does Cuba's solar infrastructure compare internationally?
Cuba's solar infrastructure is significantly underdeveloped compared to countries like Spain and China, where charging stations are widespread and integrated with advanced technology.
Why is Cuba facing such severe energy issues?
Cuba's energy crisis stems from a combination of aging infrastructure, lack of investment, and dependence on foreign equipment and donations, leading to frequent blackouts and inefficiencies.