Edel Gómez Gómez, the general director of the Comandante Camilo Cienfuegos Gorriarán Electronic Industry Company, is calling on all economic players in Cuba to embrace solar energy as a means to mitigate the ongoing electricity crisis.
In an interview with Canal Caribe regarding Cuba's energy transition, the communist leader emphasized, "We cannot leave the Electric Union to fight this battle alone. All economic entities, whether they're self-employed, small and medium-sized enterprises, or state-owned companies, must participate."
The state enterprise is part of the GELEC Group. Gómez Gómez elaborated that they operate 22 internal photovoltaic parks, generating over 8,000 kWh daily, of which about 5,000 kWh are used for their own production processes.
"We contribute between 3,000 and 3,500 kWh daily to the system, depending on the day's sunlight," he explained regarding their contribution to the National Electric Power System (SEN).
The call to action extends beyond the business sector: "Today, we must ensure that every possible company joins this blackout challenge. And beyond that, I believe all households that can, should also join."
To underline the collective effort, he quoted the regime's ruler: "If everyone, according to their means, installs a panel, two panels, three panels, a thousand panels, as our president says, we chip away at the blackout problem we face today."
The company is also exploring small wind turbines as a nighttime complement to solar energy. "The sun can't be blocked by anyone, and neither can the wind," remarked Gómez Gómez.
The Stark Reality of Cuba’s Power Crisis
The official's speech contrasts sharply with the crisis's actual scale. On July 8, Cuba experienced its largest power deficit in history: 2,341 MW.
In this context, the 3,000 to 3,500 kWh daily contribution from the electronic industry amounts to just over 3 MWh, a minuscule fraction compared to a deficit exceeding 2,000 MW during peak demand hours.
Cuba has faced at least five total disconnections from the SEN in 2026 alone. In Havana, power outages averaged around 15 hours daily, while in Matanzas, interruptions extended up to 87 consecutive hours.
The root causes of Cuba's blackouts are structural. The nation relies on aging thermoelectric plants, suffers from chronic fuel shortages, and has historically depended on imported oil—a situation worsened after Nicolás Maduro's capture in January 2026 and the implementation of Donald Trump's energy policies against Cuba.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
Why is Cuba facing severe power outages?
Cuba's power outages stem from structural issues like aging power plants, chronic fuel shortages, and a reliance on imported oil, which have been exacerbated by geopolitical events.
What efforts are being made to address the power crisis?
Efforts include urging economic entities and households to adopt solar energy, operating photovoltaic parks, and exploring wind energy solutions.
How significant is the solar contribution to Cuba's energy needs?
The solar contribution is relatively minor, accounting for just over 3 MWh daily, compared to a power deficit exceeding 2,000 MW during peak hours.