The Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry (ICAIC) has received a donation of more than 70 solar panels from the German association Netzwerk InterRed Cooperación. This contribution is part of a bilateral cooperation agreement aimed at shielding the institution from the ongoing electrical crisis that has crippled Cuba.
In January, Alexis Triana, President of ICAIC, and Lothar Reininger, director of the German organization, signed a sustainable collaboration letter to ensure the operational continuity of the institution's facilities. The agreement places special emphasis on the Digital Laboratory and the iconic Charles Chaplin cinema.
Included in the donation was the setup of technological supports on the Cubacine building's rooftop, allowing the installation of a grid-connected solar photovoltaic system to sustain crucial areas of the institution.
Triana announced on social media that the initiative now benefits various sectors of the film industry: the Palomas Project, Casa Productora, ICAIC Audiovisuals, Estudios Cubanacán, ICAIC Animados, ICAIC Distribuidora, the Film Archive, the New Latin American Cinema Festival House, and the Digital Laboratory.
Collectively, these facilities now boast over 80 solar panels, 40 solar-powered lamps, seven electric tricycles, and five alternative energy stations.
The Dire Need for Solar Energy
Turning to solar energy isn't merely a choice for the institution; Cuba is experiencing its most severe electrical crisis in 2026. On Wednesday, the country faced a deficit of 2,195 MW with an available generation of just 1,105 MW against a demand of 2,890 MW.
Earlier in August, Cuba shattered its own record for electrical deficits, exceeding 2,411 MW, and has endured at least six total collapses of the National Electric System this year.
Power outages range from 15 to 24 hours daily in many regions, with some areas experiencing blackouts lasting over 80 consecutive hours.
Impact on Cultural Events and Government Response
These blackouts have severely impacted the cultural sector. The International Festival of New Latin American Cinema faced projection interruptions due to power cuts in both 2024 and 2025. Additionally, the ICAIC Summer Film Festival in July faced criticism for holding events while Havana suffered blackouts extending up to 72 hours.
According to state-run Prensa Latina, the initiative aligns with the Ministry of Culture and the Cuban Presidency's aim for "all socio-economic actors to promote new sources of electricity generation." The regime has supported this directive with tariff incentives, maintaining an exemption for importing panels, batteries, and inverters until December 2027, as per Resolution 41/2026 of the Ministry of Finance and Prices.
Triana expressed gratitude towards Reininger and his team, members of the board of directors of InterRed, LAGG, and AMCA, stating that "the agreement strengthens the ICAIC's infrastructure and reaffirms the value of international collaboration in benefiting culture and audiovisual arts."
While the regime leans on foreign donations to keep its cinemas operational, China dispatched a second batch of 5,000 photovoltaic systems to Cuba in early August, underscoring that the solution to Cuba's electrical crisis remains reliant on external generosity rather than domestic energy policy.
Cuba's Electrical Crisis and Solar Energy Solutions
What is the extent of Cuba's current electrical crisis?
Cuba is facing its worst electrical crisis, with a deficit of 2,195 MW against a demand of 2,890 MW, leading to widespread blackouts lasting up to 24 hours in some regions.
How is the ICAIC addressing the power shortages?
The ICAIC is addressing power shortages by installing solar panels, thanks to a donation from Germany, to ensure the continuity of its cultural and operational activities.
What governmental measures are in place to encourage renewable energy?
The Cuban government has introduced tariff incentives and tax exemptions for importing solar panels and related equipment, as outlined in Resolution 41/2026.