In the municipality of Abreus, located in the central province of Cienfuegos, a significant solar power park is under construction as part of Cuba's ambition to achieve 1,000 megawatts (MW) of photovoltaic generation by 2025. According to Canal Caribe, the project in Alcalde Mayor is the most advanced of all the solar initiatives planned by the Cuban government, which aims to reach 2,000 MW of photovoltaic generation by 2030, with the first 1,000 MW by 2025.
This solar park is expected to generate 21.8 MW and is being built using Chinese technology panels. It is projected to be synchronized with the National Electric System in November of this year. By 2028, Cienfuegos plans to construct a total of five new solar power parks, as stated by Salvador Vera Hernández, Director of Investments at the Electric Company of Cienfuegos, in an interview with Prensa Latina in June.
Future Solar Projects in Cienfuegos
Besides the project in Abreus, the Electric Company is also constructing solar parks in Aguada de Pasajeros and Cumanayagua. In mid-May, Cuba’s Electric Union (UNE) announced the synchronization of the "La Criolla" solar park, which has a capacity of 4.4 MW and is situated in Villa Clara, with the national system.
Public Outrage Over Ongoing Energy Crisis
Despite the enthusiasm from the company, the announcement has been met with public frustration. Over 200 comments from Cubans fed up with the ongoing energy crisis and enduring blackouts lasting up to 20 hours filled the publication. This situation remains unchanged to this day.
The grievances of Cubans are flooding social media, where they report frequent and prolonged daily blackouts and accuse the Electric Union of abusing the population. The discontent highlights the severe and persistent issues with the island's energy infrastructure.