By Zoila Palma: Cuba is rapidly expanding its solar energy infrastructure as the country grapples with a worsening energy crisis linked to blocked fuel shipments from the United States.
Cuba has faced chronic fuel shortages and recently experienced regular blackouts lasting between 24 and 30 hours after running out of oil in mid-May, Yahoo reports.
Cuban officials say the country’s energy system has been pushed to a critical stage.
Juan Antonio Fernández Palacios, Cuba’s representative to Belgium and the European Union, said only one oil tanker, from Russia, had reached Cuban ports in the last four months. He noted that Cuba requires at least eight tankers monthly to maintain basic operations, describing the situation as harsh and approaching a humanitarian emergency.
Amid the shortages, Cuba has accelerated a major shift toward solar power with support from China.
Imports of Chinese solar panels and batteries have increased sharply, with exports rising from about $5 million in 2023 to $117 million in 2025. China has pledged to assist Cuba in building more than 92 solar parks by 2028, with more than half already in operation. Chinese companies have also supported the installation and construction of solar farms across the island.
The Cuban government has announced plans to transition fully to renewable energy by 2050. According to official figures, 52 solar photovoltaic parks have been completed, contributing more than 1,000 megawatt peak and supplying up to 38 percent of electricity consumed during daylight hours. Renewable energy now accounts for roughly 10 percent of Cuba’s electricity generation, up from 3.6 percent in 2024. However, access remains uneven and many Cubans are unable to afford private solar systems.
Despite the rapid expansion, experts say significant challenges remain.
Researchers note that solar power generation is still limited because it depends on daylight and Cuba lacks sufficient battery infrastructure to store energy for nighttime demand.
The post International News: Fuel shortages drive Cuba’s rapid solar expansion appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Cuba is rapidly expanding its solar energy infrastructure as the country grapples with a worsening energy crisis linked to blocked fuel shipments from the United States. Cuba has faced chronic fuel shortages and recently experienced regular blackouts lasting between 24 and 30 hours after running out of oil in mid-May, Yahoo reports.
The post International News: Fuel shortages drive Cuba’s rapid solar expansion appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
