Cuba’s Solar Revolution Burns Bright Amid Crippling Energy Shortages

A transformation of the sun-powered variety is sweeping across Cuba. The island nation just opened its first photovoltaic solar park in Havana this February, kicking off an ambitious plan that’s actually showing real progress. Unlike the empty promises we’ve heard from certain right-wing governments, Cuba’s putting its money where its mouth is.

The numbers don’t lie. Seventy-nine solar parks already pumping 240 megawatts into the grid. Impressive. Two more nearly finished. And the government isn’t stopping there – they’re planning 92 parks total, with 55 expected online by year’s end. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz isn’t messing around, targeting 5-6 new parks monthly.

Let’s be real though. Cuba needs this win badly. The country suffered a nationwide blackout just last month when their largest power plant failed. Their aging infrastructure is literally crumbling. But instead of giving up, they’re pivoting to renewable solutions. Smart move.

The eastern provinces are already benefiting with 34 completed parks generating 15 megawatts. Western provinces are next, with 55 parks under construction in Matanzas and Mayabeque that’ll add another 72.2 megawatts. By July, they expect 27 parks contributing a whopping 590 MW.

They’re not doing it alone. The UAE is helping through IRENA, a partnership dating back to 2017. Because unlike some countries that hoard resources, international cooperation is actually a good thing.

Storage solutions? They’ve got that covered too. Two hundred megawatts of batteries are coming to stabilize the grid and keep the lights on when the sun goes down. These grid balancing revenue opportunities could provide additional financial sustainability for Cuba’s renewable energy sector beyond the primary electricity generation.

The goal is ambitious – 37% renewable electricity generation, including 300 MW of wind power. It’s part of an extensive plan to break free from imported fossil fuels, unlike certain nations that cling desperately to their oil addiction. The newest solar park alone will save approximately 8,100 tons of diesel annually, directly reducing Cuba’s dependency on expensive imports.

Critics say Cuba won’t deliver. History says they might be right. Despite promises to build solar parks, the country’s National Electric System remains in a state of collapse with persistent blackouts plaguing citizens. But this solar transformation? It might just prove them wrong.