By South China Morning Post | Created at 2025-03-20 11:11:32 | Updated at 2025-03-20 23:09:04
12 hours ago
Cuba has taken delivery of its first shipment of Chinese solar power plant equipment that it hopes will help wean the blackout-prone island off its dependence on imported fossil fuels.
Cuba plans to build seven photovoltaic power plants across the country, saving an estimated 18,000 tonnes of imported fuel per year, according to Chinese state news agency Xinhua.
All of the equipment would be delivered in the first half of the year, the report said.
Cuba heavily relies on oil for its electricity, with less than 5 per cent of its energy coming from alternative sources. It aims to increase that share to 24 per cent by 2030, easing crippling power shortages throughout the island.
Just last week, the grid collapsed in the capital Havana, severing supplies to public services such as hospitals and schools.
Areas outside the capital have had to deal with rolling blackouts for months, with some places without power for up to 20 hours a day.
This is on top of major blackouts in 2021, 2022, and last year.
