What's happened
Cuba continues to face severe power outages amid ongoing energy shortages, with recent blackouts marking the fourth in six months. The government is deploying photovoltaic projects and restoring aging infrastructure, but fuel shortages and US sanctions remain major obstacles to stabilizing the grid.
What's behind the headline?
The ongoing blackouts reveal Cuba's fragile energy infrastructure, heavily dependent on outdated plants and unreliable fuel imports. Despite government efforts to diversify with solar projects and floating plants, these measures are insufficient to address systemic issues. The US sanctions continue to restrict Cuba's access to vital resources, prolonging the crisis. The frequent outages threaten public health, economic stability, and social order, likely prompting increased international aid and domestic reforms. The government’s focus on renewable energy indicates a strategic shift, but progress will be slow without easing sanctions and improving fuel supply chains. The crisis underscores Cuba’s urgent need for infrastructure modernization and regional cooperation to ensure energy security.
What the papers say
South China Morning Post reports that Cuba's power outages are driven by aging infrastructure and fuel shortages, with recent efforts including solar farms and floating power plants. The articles highlight the persistent impact of US sanctions, which restrict fuel imports and exacerbate the crisis. The Guardian and AP News detail the recent blackout's scope, noting the failure at a Havana substation and the ongoing reliance on obsolete plants. Both sources emphasize the economic and social toll, with AP noting that many Cubans still face daily blackouts exceeding 20 hours. The South China Morning Post also discusses China's involvement in aid efforts and the geopolitical tensions with the US, which opposes Beijing's expanding influence in Latin America.
How we got here
Cuba's energy crisis stems from decades of reliance on aging oil-fired power plants, compounded by declining fuel imports from Venezuela, Russia, and Mexico. US sanctions and economic difficulties have further hampered infrastructure upgrades, leading to frequent blackouts and economic hardship.
Go deeper
Common question
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What is Causing the Energy Crisis in Cuba?
Cuba is currently facing a severe energy crisis, marked by frequent blackouts and public unrest. Understanding the root causes of this crisis is essential for grasping the broader implications for the country. Below, we explore the factors contributing to the energy shortages, the impact on daily life, and the government's response to the situation.
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.
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The Havana is the capital city, largest city, province, major port, and leading commercial center of Cuba. The city has a population of 2.1 million inhabitants, and it spans a total of 781.58 km² – making it the largest city by area, the most populous