- Cuba received its first shipment of China’s solar equipment, which will be used to build seven photovoltaic plants. The country aims to reduce fuel imports and ease power shortages.
- The country faces ongoing blackouts due to ageing infrastructure and reliance on Venezuelan oil, which has decreased amid Venezuela’s economic crisis.
- Cuba looks to China for energy, food, and medical aid, while U.S. sanctions and concerns over China’s influence in Latin America complicate the situation.
Cuba has received its first shipment of solar power equipment from China, taking a key step to reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels. Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported that this shipment supports Cuba’s plan to build seven photovoltaic plants across the island. These plants will help Cuba save about 18,000 tonnes of imported fuel annually. Officials expect all equipment to arrive by mid-year.
Cuba currently relies heavily on oil for electricity, with renewable energy contributing less than 5%. To tackle widespread power shortages, the government aims to increase that figure to 24% by 2030. Last week, a grid collapse in Havana cut electricity to public services like hospitals and schools. Many regions outside the capital have dealt with rolling blackouts, leaving some areas without power for up to 20 hours daily.
This energy crisis stems from Cuba’s ageing infrastructure and its reliance on Venezuelan oil. Venezuela has long supplied crucial fuel in exchange for Cuban doctors, teachers, and military advisers. However, Venezuela’s ongoing economic crisis has reduced its ability to maintain this trade. Russia and Mexico have tried to fill the gap, but power shortages persist across Cuba.
These blackouts have worsened shortages of other essential goods like food, medicine, and water, deepening the island’s struggles. Cuba attributes much of its economic difficulties to U.S. sanctions, which expanded under former President Donald Trump, reversing the engagement efforts started by his predecessor, Barack Obama. These conditions have triggered several anti-government protests.
To address the economic strain, Cuba began privatising around 2,000 sectors in 2021. Despite these reforms, the economy remains sluggish. Besides energy, Cuba has also sought help from China with food and medical supplies. However, this growing reliance on China could attract more scrutiny from the U.S. The Biden administration has expressed concern over China’s increasing influence in Latin America, traditionally considered within the U.S. sphere of influence.
China responded by denouncing U.S. sanctions. Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning urged the U.S. to “immediately cease its blockade against Cuba” and criticised the “abuse of coercive diplomacy.” Mao also condemned new U.S. visa restrictions on Cuba’s overseas labour programme, a major source of foreign exchange for Havana, particularly through its healthcare workers sent abroad.
The energy crisis continues to ripple through Cuban society, disrupting daily life and affecting every sector. As Cuba grapples with blackouts, food shortages, and strained international relations, its partnership with China could prove crucial in the coming years. By supporting solar projects, China may help Cuba reduce its fuel dependency and alleviate its power issues, but larger economic challenges remain.