Just days after Cuba experienced its third complete blackout of the year in 2026, Miguel Díaz-Canel made a publicized tour of industrial facilities in Havana on Wednesday. According to the state-run newspaper Granma, he showcased what he called "innovative energy and construction solutions."
Díaz-Canel was not alone during this outing; he was accompanied by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces General Álvaro López Miera, and several members of the Council of Ministers, highlighting the significance of this visit.
The day's itinerary included a tour of a solar panel assembly line. The regime claims that over 3,200 panels have been manufactured so far this year. Yet, the state media also reported that with new investors and battery supplies, the factory might extend its operations to a double shift, potentially reaching a production rate of 120 panels each day.
The official report unwittingly exposes the depth of the regime's failures: the factory visited by Díaz-Canel had to install solar panels on its own rooftop to "become independent from the National Electric System and avoid production halts," as stated by Granma.
The irony of the situation is hard to overlook. The massive blackout on July 6 left around 9.6 million people without power when an unexpected shutdown of Unit No. 6 of the Nuevitas thermoelectric plant in Camagüey triggered a cascading power outage.
On that day, the projected power deficit during peak hours was 2,165 MW, with only 935 MW available for a demand of 3,100 MW. For Thursday, the Electrical Union forecasted a peak-time shortfall of 2,260 MW, as reported by Cubadebate on the same day it covered Díaz-Canel's triumphant visit.
In some parts of Matanzas, power outages had accumulated to as much as 87 consecutive hours, while in Havana, the average was around 15 hours without electricity daily.
This is not the first time Díaz-Canel has used such propaganda displays amid an ongoing energy crisis. In May, he visited the VEDCA electric vehicle plant, calling it a "little jewel," even as the country recorded its highest historical energy deficit of 2,174 MW.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuba's Energy Crisis
What caused the recent blackout in Cuba?
The recent blackout was triggered by the unexpected shutdown of Unit No. 6 of the Nuevitas thermoelectric plant, which led to a cascading power failure affecting approximately 9.6 million people.
How many solar panels has Cuba produced this year?
According to the Cuban government, over 3,200 solar panels have been produced so far this year, with plans to increase production to 120 panels per day with new investments and battery supplies.
How long are the power outages in Havana?
In Havana, power outages have averaged around 15 hours daily, contributing to the significant energy crisis the city is facing.