US sanctions, power cuts, climate crisis: why Cuba is betting on renewables
US sanctions, power cuts, climate crisis: why Cuba is betting on renewables
US sanctions, power cuts, climate crisis: why Cuba is betting on renewables
With Trump blocking Venezuelan oil imports and old power plants breaking down, the island – with Chinese help – is turning to solar and wind to bolster its fragile energy system
“Amid a severe economic crisis that is pushing the country to the brink of humanitarian disaster, Cuba is trying to accelerate its energy transition in the hope of freeing itself from its dependence on fossil fuels.
“Since Venezuela halted oil shipments to Cuba under pressure from Donald Trump in January, the island has been hit by even more prolonged power cuts. By the end of the month, outages were lasting up to 24 hours, with eastern Cuba worst affected.
“The government argues that renewable energy projects will ease Cuba’s power shortages and help the country adapt to the impacts of the climate crisis.”