What's going on with Cuba's energy crisis?

Havana (EFE).- Cuba has endured 12 months of a full-blown energy crisis marked by blackouts lasting up to 20 hours a day, four nationwide power outages, repeated breakdowns at power plants, a paralyzed economy, and growing social frustration. Experts warn that there is little prospect of improvement in the near future.

Why are power outages a problem in Cuba?

Power outages have become the top concern for Cubans, who struggle to preserve food, conduct banking or bureaucratic tasks, charge electric motorcycles and phones, and carry out household chores. Many wake up in the early hours of the morning, when electricity briefly returns, to cook, iron, or pump water.

How is Havana tackling the Solar Crisis?

Havana’s main strategy to address the crisis is an ambitious solar energy program developed with Chinese support. The plan aims to build 92 solar parks nationwide, with an installed capacity of around 2,000 megawatts. So far, 25 parks have been connected to the SEN, in line with government targets.

Why are some of Cuba's Sen power plants out of service?

Several of Cuba’s seven thermoelectric plants, the backbone of the SEN, are frequently out of service due to breakdowns or maintenance. These facilities suffer from decades of overuse and chronic underinvestment. At one point, Cuba docked eight floating power plants along its coast as a temporary solution.

How many hours a day does Havana go without electricity?

Many wake up in the early hours of the morning, when electricity briefly returns, to cook, iron, or pump water. While Havana faces cuts ranging from four to 10 hours daily, the rest of the island often experiences more than 20 hours without power, disrupting households, offices, and factories.