What's happened
A major island-wide blackout in Cuba, linked to a malfunction at a large thermoelectric plant, has disrupted essential services. The outage follows years of energy crisis worsened by US sanctions, with power gradually being restored amid public frustration and ongoing infrastructure challenges.
What's behind the headline?
The recent blackout underscores Cuba’s ongoing energy crisis, which is driven by structural issues and external sanctions. The malfunction at the thermoelectric plant, caused by an erroneous overheating warning, reveals vulnerabilities in Cuba’s aging infrastructure. The government’s response—building a microsystem to supply critical services—will likely be temporary, as long-term solutions require substantial investment and easing of sanctions. The public’s trust in government promises will be tested as power remains unreliable. This crisis highlights Cuba’s dependence on external support and the urgent need for infrastructure modernization. The blackout’s recurrence signals that without significant policy shifts or sanctions relief, Cuba’s energy problems will persist, impacting economic growth and social stability.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera reports that the outage was linked to a malfunction at a major thermoelectric plant, with crews working to restore power and prioritize hospitals and food supply. The Independent confirms the cause was an erroneous overheating warning, and notes this is Cuba’s second major outage this year, with previous blackouts in late 2024. Both sources highlight Cuba’s ongoing energy crisis worsened by US sanctions, which hinder maintenance and upgrades of aging infrastructure. The Independent emphasizes the public’s frustration and the efforts to establish microsystems, while Al Jazeera focuses on the government’s reassurance and the impact on daily life. The contrasting tone reflects the persistent challenge of Cuba’s energy dependency and the political context shaping its crisis.
How we got here
Cuba's energy crisis has deepened over recent years due to US sanctions that limit access to foreign currency needed for fuel and repairs. The country's aging thermoelectric plants, many over 30 years old, have suffered frequent breakdowns. The government has attempted to mitigate the crisis by renting floating power ships and installing solar panels, but persistent blackouts remain a major issue, affecting daily life and economic stability.
Go deeper
- What are the long-term solutions Cuba is considering for its energy infrastructure?
- How are ordinary Cubans coping with the frequent blackouts?
- Will US sanctions ease to help Cuba repair its aging power plants?
More on these topics
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Cuba, officially the Republic of Cuba, is a country comprising the island of Cuba as well as Isla de la Juventud and several minor archipelagos. Cuba is located in the northern Caribbean where the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean meet.