Cuba is restoring electricity to Havana and nearby areas after a nationwide blackout affected 10 million people. Approximately 19% of Havana’s power is back, with ongoing efforts to reinstate service. Outdated power infrastructure and external sanctions exacerbate the crisis as the government seeks to develop solar solutions.
Havana, Cuba is gradually restoring electricity after a nationwide grid collapse affected power for roughly 10 million people. As of Sunday morning, about 19% of Havana’s residents regained power, although full recovery timelines remain unclear. The Ministry of Energy and Mines announced the restart of the Felton power plant, a crucial facility for eastern provinces. However, Cuba’s largest power plant in Matanzas is still offline.
Residents in Havana face challenges, particularly with food preservation as many have lacked electricity for approximately 36 hours. The city, housing two million people and a significant tourism sector, saw power outages since 8:15 PM Friday after an electrical short circuit triggered a broader blackout. Only selected hotels and businesses with generators have maintained power during this period.
The recent blackout in Cuba marks the fourth such event since October, primarily attributed to outdated, oil-fired power plants that struggle due to decreased oil imports from key partners like Venezuela and Russia. Even prior to this incident, many Cubans experienced daily blackouts lasting up to 20 hours due to the aging power infrastructure.
The Cuban government cites a U.S. trade embargo, particularly sanctions reinforced under former President Trump, as a contributor to the ongoing energy crisis. In response, Cuba is pursuing the development of solar power projects with Chinese investments to decrease reliance on antiquated oil generation.
Cuba is slowly recovering from a significant power crisis following a nationwide blackout, affecting millions. Efforts to restore electricity are underway, though many remain without power. The government faces challenges due to outdated infrastructure and geopolitical constraints, prompting initiatives towards solar energy development to bolster energy independence.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
