The persistent power outages plaguing Cuba have pressured the Telecommunications Company (ETECSA) to seek urgent solutions to ensure uninterrupted communication services. In the municipality of Jobabo, located in Las Tunas, ETECSA initiated the installation of a solar-powered system this past weekend to prevent the area from losing connectivity during electricity failures.
As reported by the state-run Radio Cabaniguán, the necessary equipment arrived on Saturday, prompting immediate assembly. The initial phase of this project involves an investment exceeding 50 million pesos.
This initiative emerges amid the ongoing decline of the National Electric System, where frequent blackouts disrupt not only households and workplaces but also essential mobile and internet services, crucial for Cubans both on the island and abroad.
Solar Power to Sustain Communication Services
According to ETECSA experts, the system will include solar panels and a battery bank capable of keeping telecommunications operational for seven to eight hours without external power. "With sufficient solar radiation, services will be maintained throughout the day," stated Yordani Nelson Ceballos Suárez, an energy specialist in ETECSA's Investment Department in Las Tunas.
The batteries are designed to provide energy backup during nighttime and early morning hours. However, current regulations prevent them from being recharged via the conventional electrical grid, making them fully reliant on the solar panels for energy capture.
Part of a Broader Strategy
The installation is part of ETECSA's broader strategy to mitigate the impact of the energy crisis on its services. Similar projects are underway in other provinces, including Matanzas, Granma, and Villa Clara.
The necessity for these investments underscores the severity of the crisis. Previously released data from the company indicated that during power outages, nearly half of the country's mobile base stations and over half of the telecommunications cabinets cease to function, causing disruptions to phone calls, internet browsing, and other essential services.
Some of the equipment used in these projects is sourced from a donation made by China, valued at over $114 million, aimed at supporting strategic infrastructure.
Facing the Energy Crisis
Meanwhile, thousands of Cubans continue to endure daily power cuts that not only affect their daily routines but also complicate communication with family members both within and outside the island—a major consequence of the ongoing energy crisis.
Authorities anticipate that the Jobabo system will be operational before the end of next week.
Addressing Cuba's Energy Challenges
What prompted ETECSA to install solar panels in Jobabo?
The frequent blackouts in Cuba forced ETECSA to find solutions to maintain communication services, leading to the installation of solar panels in Jobabo.
How will the solar-powered system benefit Jobabo?
The solar-powered system will enable Jobabo to maintain telecommunications for seven to eight hours during power outages, ensuring connectivity throughout the day.
What challenges does the Cuban energy crisis present?
The energy crisis causes frequent power cuts, affecting households, work environments, and crucial communication services, complicating daily life and connectivity.