Amidst endless blackouts, a nation stalled by fuel shortages, and a population weary from the ongoing electricity crisis, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel has once again unveiled a "plan" to tackle the national energy collapse. This time, he proposes generating electricity from waste.
In a press conference attended only by journalists from state media and correspondents from allied countries' platforms like RT and Xinhua, lacking any major independent international agencies, Díaz-Canel advocated for Cuba's path to energy sovereignty by utilizing its own resources, including converting "residuals" into biogas.
"Biogas, transforming waste into energy," the leader stated, explaining that biogas plants could enable cooking, lighting homes, and even generating electricity through engines linked to generators. He claimed this technology could produce "gas generators" capable of supplying power.
Energy Crisis Amid Fuel Shortage
Díaz-Canel acknowledged the severe situation Cuba faces due to the fuel shortage, admitting that the country has been unable to utilize its distributed generation capacity for weeks. He noted that over 1,300 megawatts are installed in this system, but are currently idle due to a lack of diesel and fuel.
The leader reported that in recent weeks, peak hour electricity deficits have fluctuated between 1,600 and 2,000 megawatts, resulting in widespread and prolonged blackouts nationwide.
According to his speech, the crisis is not only technical but also structural: the system relies heavily on fuel imports, which have become more challenging due to international pressures, sanctions, and the reluctance of shipping companies and suppliers to engage with Cuba.
In his effort to project progress, Díaz-Canel claimed that by 2024, the country had installed more than 1,000 megawatts in photovoltaic parks, with 49 parks constructed, boosting renewable energy penetration from 3% to 10%.
Biogas: A Promise Amidst a Waste Crisis
Nevertheless, the most striking aspect of his speech was the emphasis on Cuba's potential to harness energy from biomass and waste.
The leader explained that biogas could facilitate everything from cooking to electricity generation through engines. His narrative positioned the crisis as a supposed "opportunity" for sustainable development and greater energy independence.
The proposal comes at a particularly sensitive time: Cuban streets are overwhelmed with uncollected garbage, communal services are collapsing in numerous municipalities, and makeshift dumps are growing alongside public frustration.
In this context, the biogas announcement has been perceived by many Cubans as yet another official narrative disconnected from immediate realities: while the regime speaks of converting waste into electricity, the populace faces a sanitation and environmental crisis directly linked to uncollected trash.
A Political Speech with No Immediate Solutions
Although Díaz-Canel dedicated much of the conference to blaming the United States for the deterioration of the electrical system, he also acknowledged that solutions will not be swift.
"It won't be resolved overnight," he admitted, outlining a plan that includes continuity in thermoelectric plants, expansion of photovoltaic systems with storage, installation of domestic solar modules, and recovery of wind parks.
Among the figures mentioned, he stated that 5,000 solar systems will be installed in isolated homes and another 5,000 in vital centers, including maternity homes, clinics, elder care facilities, and bank branches.
However, in an island where millions endure blackout after blackout, with food spoiling, hospitals facing energy shortages, and public transportation essentially paralyzed, these promises feel like a repeated script: future plans announced while the present continues to deteriorate.
Endurance Over Resolution
Beyond the energy component, Díaz-Canel's address carried a distinctly political tone. He repeatedly emphasized "creative resistance" as the response to the crisis, presenting the current period as one of confrontation that demands sacrifice.
The leader claimed the country is bracing for extreme scenarios and defended the narrative of an "economic war," while urging the population to embrace new restrictions.
For many Cubans, the speech leaves an unanswered question: how much longer can they endure?
In a nation where electricity has become a luxury and waste piles up as a symbol of national decay, the promise of "light from waste" appears not as an immediate solution, but as yet another indication of how far the regime is willing to go to sell hope with whatever resources it can, even if it's just excess waste.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Challenges
What is the main cause of Cuba's current energy crisis?
The primary cause of Cuba's energy crisis is the severe fuel shortage, which has been exacerbated by international sanctions and logistical challenges in importing fuel.
How does Díaz-Canel propose to solve the energy crisis?
Díaz-Canel's proposal includes generating electricity from biogas derived from waste, expanding solar energy capacity, and enhancing existing thermoelectric plants.
What are the challenges faced by Cuba in implementing renewable energy solutions?
Challenges include lack of infrastructure, financial constraints, and the technical difficulties associated with rapidly scaling renewable energy projects in a strained economy.