Cuba Boosts Cuba solar energy Program to Counter US Oil Blockade
In a strategic move toward energy self-sufficiency, Cuba is significantly expanding its solar energy infrastructure. This push for renewable power comes as a direct response to what its government describes as a U.S.-imposed “energy blockade,” which has severely disrupted conventional fuel supplies and strained the nation’s economy.
A National Pivot to Photovoltaics for Cuba solar energy
Faced with persistent fuel shortages and the high costs of imported oil, Cuba has embarked on an ambitious plan to harness its most abundant natural resource: the sun. In 2025 alone, the country completed the construction of 49 new photovoltaic solar parks. This massive undertaking added approximately 1,000 megawatts of power to the national grid, marking a 7% increase in total grid capacity and accounting for a remarkable 38% of the nation’s energy generation.
The initiative extends beyond large-scale solar farms. The government is also focusing on distributed generation to bring electricity to underserved communities and critical infrastructure. The plan includes:
- Rural Electrification: Installation of 5,000 two-kilowatt photovoltaic systems for homes that are not yet connected to the national grid, advancing the goal of 100% national electrification.
- Supporting Public Services: Another 5,000 systems are being allocated to priority sites such as maternity homes, polyclinics, and nursing homes to ensure they have a reliable power supply.
- Incentivizing Key Workers: An additional 10,000 solar systems are designated for education and health sector workers.
This comprehensive solar strategy aims to mitigate the immediate impacts of fuel shortages, which have already halted some distributed generation plants, and build long-term resilience.
The Context: An “Economic Suffocation” and Cuba solar energy
Cuban President Miguel DÃaz-Canel has framed the intensified U.S. pressure as an “energy blockade” and a tactic of “economic suffocation.” The Cuban government reports that these measures, which include sanctions and threats against oil suppliers, cost the island nation over $7.5 billion between March 2024 and February 2025. The blockade has led to widespread blackouts, transportation disruptions, and significant challenges for industrial production.
Despite the heightened tensions and the severe economic impact of the sanctions, President DÃaz-Canel has stated that Cuba remains open to dialogue with the United States, provided there are no preconditions. This diplomatic stance exists alongside a practical and determined effort to secure the nation’s energy future from the ground up.
In a contrasting move, the U.S. recently announced $6 million in humanitarian aid for Cuba’s eastern region, which was affected by Hurricane Melissa. The aid, delivered through religious organizations, includes food staples and solar lamps—an ironic nod to the very technology Cuba is now embracing for its survival.
A Broader Strategy for Cuba solar energy Independence
While solar power is the centerpiece of Cuba’s response, it is part of a wider, multi-faceted strategy to reduce reliance on foreign fuel. Other key initiatives include:
- Restoring over 900 megawatts of existing thermal generation capacity.
- Boosting domestic production of crude oil and associated petroleum gas.
- Expanding the natural gas supply to an additional 20,000 customers in Havana.
- Investing in wind power projects.
- Developing a national shipping fleet to better control its supply chain.
By diversifying its energy matrix and strengthening domestic resources, Cuba is not just weathering a crisis; it is fundamentally reshaping its energy landscape for a more independent and sustainable future. The sun, once just a feature of its Caribbean climate, is now becoming a cornerstone of its national sovereignty.
