Why is infrastructure so important in Cuba?

Infrastructure is the foundation of any economy, and its development must come first to prevent it from slowing down or, as in this case, paralyzing productive and social activity. Fuel shortages are the other side of the same coin. Cuba has to abandon its reliance on special agreements with like-minded countries to supply its energy.

How much electricity does the residential sector consume in Cuba?

In Cuba, the residential sector absorbs 60% of the electricity produced, compared to 42% on average in the Caribbean. Between 2000 and 2020, the residential sector in Cuba more than doubled its total consumption. In order to understand this, there are several factors to consider.

Why is Cuba so dependent on imported energy?

With few traditional sources of its own, Cuba has always been dependent on imported energy. The replacement of the United States by the Soviet Union as the main trading partner and political ally was particularly visible in the change in supply of hydrocarbons.

Does Cuba have a comprehensive energy policy?

Currently, the global power generation sector is undergoing a massive transformation, as a result of increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions and rapid and profound technological developments in renewable energy. Cuba lacks a detailed strategic roadmap towards a comprehensive national energy policy that addresses these challenges.

Why does Cuba have a lack of electricity generation capacity?

Cuba has had several projects to increase electricity generation capacity that have not been executed successfully due to a number of factors such as lack of management skills, technical challenges, minimal financing, and the complex bureaucracy of the state business model.

Why is Cuba not able to access external resources?

Cuba’s almost total lack of access to external resources is the result of a model that is perceived by creditors and investors as stagnant and impoverishing. It is well known that Cuba did not take advantage of the opportunity it once had to join a large development bank in Latin America.