Cuba Restores Power to Parts of Havana Following Major Blackout

Cuba is restoring power in Havana after a major grid failure that left 10 million people without electricity. Approximately 19% of Havana has had power restored, although many areas remain affected. The crisis is linked to aging energy infrastructure and political sanctions, prompting efforts to develop solar energy solutions.

Cuba is currently in the process of restoring electricity to Havana and its surrounding provinces after a catastrophic grid failure that left 10 million citizens without power. As of Sunday morning, approximately 19% of Havana’s residents had electricity restored, although many parts of the city remain affected. The Ministry of Energy and Mines announced that one of the major power plants, Felton, had resumed operations.

The widespread blackout began around 8:15 p.m. on Friday evening, after a transmission line in Havana malfunctioned, triggering a complete shutdown of power generation across the nation. This incident marks the fourth such blackout since October and has raised concerns among residents about the potential spoilage of frozen food after 36 hours without power. Only select tourist hotels and establishments equipped with generators have maintained electricity.

Cuba’s aging oil-fired power plants are struggling to meet energy demands, exacerbated by dwindling oil imports from Venezuela, Russia, and Mexico. Even before the blackout, numerous citizens had been experiencing power outages lasting up to 20 hours daily. The Cuban government attributes these challenges to a U.S. trade embargo and recent sanctions imposed by the Trump administration, which they argue have further complicated the energy crisis.

Efforts are underway to shift toward renewable energy, with the government seeking to develop large solar farms in partnership with China to reduce reliance on obsolete oil-fired power generation.

In summary, Cuba is facing a significant energy crisis highlighted by a nationwide blackout affecting millions. While efforts to restore power are in progress, challenges persist due to outdated infrastructure and political factors. The government’s initiative to implement solar energy solutions may offer a pathway toward a more sustainable electricity generation model, albeit with considerable hurdles ahead.

Original Source: www.usnews.com