As much of the island grapples with a severe electricity generation deficit, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel attended the closing of the Third International Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Fair in Havana this Friday. The event brought together entrepreneurs, investors, and experts to discuss the transition to a more sustainable energy matrix.
The event, held at the Pabexpo fairgrounds, featured workshops, investment forums, and panel discussions focused on changing the energy matrix and developing sustainable energy in Cuba, according to the official portal Cubadebate.
Energy Crisis Overshadows Renewable Efforts
Despite the regime's enthusiasm for renewable energy, the reality for Cubans remains grim, as the country faces an energy crisis that leaves thousands enduring up to 12 hours of blackouts daily.
During the fair's opening, Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, stated that the Cuban government aims to achieve 100% renewable energy participation in the energy matrix. "We cannot talk about development, building a prosperous and sustainable socialism, energy sovereignty, and mitigating climate change without developing renewable energy sources," said De la O Levy.
However, as authorities spoke of the future, the situation with the National Electric System (SEN) remained critical. The Electric Union (UNE) reported a deficit of up to 1,514 MW during peak hours on September 19, due to failures in several key generation units and a lack of fuel for distributed generation plants.
The energy crisis in Cuba has significantly worsened throughout September. Since the beginning of the month, the SEN has faced constant infrastructure failures, leading to prolonged and recurring blackouts across the country.
On September 1, the deficit was 310 MW; by September 19, that figure had risen to 1,514 MW, affecting much of the nation. The main causes of the crisis include breakdowns in key units like the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Thermoelectric Plant (CTE) and the Felton CTE, along with a fuel shortage that has rendered 46 distributed generation plants inoperative.
Although the UNE has tried to bring units back online to alleviate the deficit, the measures have been insufficient. It is expected that during peak hours on Friday, energy availability will reach 2,300 MW against a demand of 3,300 MW, resulting in an estimated deficit of 1,000 MW and causing further blackouts.