Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel concluded the National Assembly of People's Power (ANPP) session with promises to eliminate blackouts, shift the energy matrix towards more renewable sources, and inject foreign currency to boost domestic oil production. However, he failed to provide a timeline or specific dates for achieving these ambitious goals.
This announcement follows weeks of severe tension, during which the Cuban regime has demonstrated its disorganization, improvisation, and overall inability to address the growing energy crisis. This crisis stems from poor management and a lack of investment in the energy sector, with resources instead directed towards tourism controlled by the regime's elite through the Grupo de Administración Empresarial S.A (GAESA).
In his speech, Díaz-Canel emphasized that, although immediate results are not expected, the current efforts to rebuild the national electro-energy system (SEN) are "promising, solid, and most importantly, are being conducted independently," as if the country's prosperity relies on efforts from "third parties."
Accustomed to managing the economy through aid, donations, and opaque investments from naive entrepreneurs and "usual suspects," the Cuban regime's leaders adopt a solemn tone and a narrative of "sacrifice" when announcing state budget allocations for development policies.
Recently, the government of "continuity" has been promoting investments in renewable energy, like solar parks, which, they claim, will enable more efficient electricity production and redirect fossil fuels towards economic production. "The investment in promoting renewable energy is arguably the most significant and substantial action we are undertaking. It will help create generation capacities and optimize fuel usage," stated Díaz-Canel.
During this fourth ordinary session of the ANPP, Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy pledged to generate nearly 600 MW additionally through solar energy projects expected to be completed by the first half of 2025. However, the fulfillment of these goals has been widely questioned by a disillusioned populace that has seen the regime's promises turn into empty words over the years.
"As the gradual reduction of fossil fuel use in power generation progresses, the economy will be revitalized with more goods production and service generation. It's an energy transformation process towards an economy with greater use of renewable sources, meaning clean, reliable, and affordable energy," stated the leader of "continuity" before heading to a propaganda march, allocating scarce resources like fuel and public transport.
Besides the two 1,000 MW renewable projects and the maintenance of thermoelectric plants, Díaz-Canel promised a foreign currency financing scheme to increase oil and gas production, yet carefully avoided setting a resolution date for these initiatives.
The recent decision to appoint Ramiro Valdés to lead the energy recovery program suggests the severity of the situation. However, his reputation as a "strongman" has not been enough to correct the critical state of the SEN, despite his intimidating presence in the energy dispatch offices. As a Cuban noted on social media, thermoelectric plants run on oil, not blood.
Meanwhile, blackouts continue to plague the population, and the deteriorating electrical system underscores the urgency for actions beyond mere speeches and promises. Given this scenario, skepticism continues to rise among citizens, who criticize the absence of a clear schedule and tangible results, suffering the consequences of a decomposing totalitarian regime transitioning into a state-run mafia capitalism.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What are the main causes of Cuba's energy crisis?
The energy crisis in Cuba is primarily due to poor management, lack of investment in the energy sector, and prioritization of resources towards the tourism industry controlled by GAESA.
What steps has Díaz-Canel proposed to address the blackouts?
Díaz-Canel has proposed ending blackouts by shifting to renewable energy sources, increasing domestic oil production, and implementing a foreign currency financing scheme, though without providing a specific timeline.
Why is the Cuban population skeptical about the energy reforms?
The Cuban population remains skeptical due to the regime's history of unfulfilled promises, lack of a clear strategy, and absence of tangible results from proposed reforms.