Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel has expressed confidence in the ongoing installation of photovoltaic parks, claiming that these investments have slightly mitigated the country's energy deficit. His remarks came during a Council of Ministers meeting amid a severe energy crisis that has subjected the population to over five years of persistent blackouts, some lasting more than 20 hours a day.
"Our strategy is to keep moving forward, and we will overcome this," he stated. Díaz-Canel also emphasized that new solar parks are expected to become operational by the end of the year. These facilities are projected to generate 1,000 MW by 2025, with a similar increase anticipated in 2026. "Photovoltaic parks have become our workhorse during daylight hours for electricity generation. This program is ongoing, and we are moving ahead because the resources are already in-country. Installation of the planned facilities for the remainder of the year has begun," he highlighted.
However, the Council of Ministers acknowledged that the general public has yet to notice significant improvements in their daily lives, as blackouts continue to extend in duration across many provinces. Addressing the national electrical system, Díaz-Canel reiterated that the partial restoration of some distributed generation capacities has not been sufficient to change the current situation.
Díaz-Canel stressed that without investments in solar energy, "the situation would be even more challenging." The prolonged energy crisis in Cuba has adversely affected not only residential areas but also the industrial, agricultural, commercial, and essential service sectors.
The deterioration of the country's thermoelectric power plants is exacerbated by a lack of maintenance, outdated infrastructure, and insufficient real investments. The government's reliance on renewable sources, like solar power, serves as an emergency measure to address the collapse of the electrical system.
Impact of Solar Energy on Cuba's Power Crisis
How are photovoltaic parks helping Cuba's energy situation?
Photovoltaic parks are being installed to generate electricity during daylight hours, slightly reducing the overall energy deficit in the country.
What are the government's projections for solar energy output?
The government expects new solar parks to generate 1,000 MW by 2025, with a similar increase expected in 2026.
Why is the Cuban population not feeling improvements in their daily lives?
Despite the installation of solar parks, blackouts continue to be prolonged in many areas, and the recovery of distributed generation has not been enough to significantly improve the situation.