Cuba expands solar energy infrastructure with Chinese technological support

Cuba is currently upgrading its energy grid through a large-scale integration of Chinese solar technology to mitigate chronic fuel shortages and recurring national blackouts. According to current data, the country has installed 34 solar parks with a total capacity of approximately 1.2 gigawatts, marking a significant increase in renewable energy production. Havana aims to reach a 15% share of renewables in its electricity mix by 2026, with long-term goals extending to 2035. The expansion is heavily supported by Beijing, which provides photovoltaic panels and funding for both large-scale national parks and small-scale infrastructure for clinics and nursing homes. This shift is partially a response to the restriction of traditional oil imports, exacerbated by the United States' "maximum pressure" policy. Industry expert Ewan Graham of the Ember think tank confirmed that one gigawatt of capacity was installed in the last 12 months alone. Cuba plans to construct an additional 92 solar parks to achieve a total capacity of over two gigawatts by 2028. Consequently, the energy crisis has also forced a transition toward electric micro-mobility solutions such as electric tricycles in urban centers.