Cuba turns to solar and wind to combat energy crisis
The Cuban government plans to invest significantly in photovoltaic parks and wind farms to address the severe energy crisis that has plagued the island for several months. The Havana authorities also intend to assist citizens with installing solar panels.
The Minister of Energy and Mining, Vicente de la O Levy, informed Parliament that one of the key investments in 2025 will be in renewable energy projects, particularly solar panels.
According to him, the ministry will promote these initiatives to increase the share of renewable energy in the national energy system.
According to the PAP, citing the Cubadebate portal, de la O Levy mentioned a "donation received from China" comprising solar panels.
They are expected to boost the country's electric power by at least 120 megawatts. The minister noted that the authorities already have 10,500 batteries for photovoltaic panels, which will be gradually integrated into the energy system.
In 2025, the government also plans to provide 5,000 photovoltaic systems for households. De la O Levy explained that the authorities would support citizens in installing solar panels to enhance access to electricity.
An important element in combatting the energy crisis will be the wind farm planned for several years in collaboration with China, located in Las Tunas in the east of the island. This investment is expected to significantly strengthen the national energy system.
Since October, Cuba has experienced total paralysis of the national energy system three times, caused by a malfunction at the main Antonio Guiteras power plant in Matanzas in the western part of the country. The UNE company, responsible for electricity supply, claims that the problems stem from two hurricanes that hit the island in the autumn and numerous breakdowns and repairs in power plants.
