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China is stepping up efforts to help Cuba tackle its worst energy crisis, donating nearly 70 tons of parts and equipment. The partnership includes the construction of solar parks as the island seeks to increase its renewable energy generation. The crisis, worsened by economic sanctions, requires creative solutions and international collaboration.
Amid an unprecedented energy crisis, Cuba has received nearly 70 tons of equipment from China to restore its electrical system.
The donation aims to recover 400 MW of capacity and benefit more than 53 homes. This action strengthens cooperation between the countries and boosts Cuba’s transition to renewable energy.
In a scenario marked by blackouts and frequent power outages, the energy, the People's Republic of China is committed to helping Cuba overcome one of its most severe energy crises.
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Behind this partnership, a diplomatic and technical effort aims to ensure that the Caribbean island can regain its electrical stability and minimize the impacts of this situation on the quality of life of its population.
Last Sunday (29), around 70 tons of parts and accessories for power generators arrived in Cuban territory, as part of a donation from the Chinese government.
The material, intended to restore the electrical infrastructure, was received in a ceremony attended by the Chinese ambassador to Cuba, Hua Xin, and Cuban vice ministers Déborah Rivas, of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, and Tatiana Amarán, of Energy and Mining.
Impact of donation
According to Ambassador Hua Xin, the donation is part of the second assistance package sent by China to Cuba in 2024.
The equipment is intended to restore around 400 megawatts (MW) of the country's electricity generation capacity. Hua explained that the shipment of the parts was planned within an “emergency project list,” focusing on a rapid and effective response to the critical situation experienced by Cuba.
During the delivery ceremony, Vice Minister Déborah Rivas highlighted that Chinese aid “reflects the high sensitivity of Chinese government authorities and their firm support for Cuba under any circumstances.”
She also pointed out that the material will benefit approximately 53,2 homes in the country, directly contributing to improving the quality of life of citizens affected by the energy crisis.
The worsening energy crisis
The current energy situation in Cuba is bleak. In 2024 alone, the country has experienced three total blackouts in the national electricity system, leaving the population completely in the dark.
Furthermore, power outages have become a daily routine, affecting around 40% of the population. The situation has compromised essential economic activities and intensified the suffering of the population.
Cuba's dependence on old thermoelectric plants, many of which are more than 30 years old, contributes to the worsening of the problem.
These plants require constant maintenance, but economic sanctions imposed by the United States make it difficult to acquire the parts and fuel needed to keep them running.
Strategic partnerships between China and Cuba
China’s efforts to help Cuba go beyond one-off donations. The collaboration between the two countries includes a series of strategic projects in the areas of energy, food security, transportation and trade.
During a visit by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel to China, he reached agreements with Chinese President Xi Jinping to expand cooperation on projects that meet Cuba's immediate and long-term needs.
Among these initiatives is the construction of photovoltaic parks, an essential step for Cuba to diversify its energy matrix.
In recent months, China has donated components for these solar parks, allowing the Caribbean country to explore a sustainable alternative for generating energy.
Transition to renewable sources
Currently, more than 95% of Cuba's energy is generated from fossil fuels.
Renewable energy represents only 5% of the country's energy matrix, but the country plans to increase this share to 25% by 2030. By 2050, Cuba aims to cover its entire energy matrix with renewable sources.
The partnership with China plays a key role in this transition. In December, the two countries officially announced the construction of new photovoltaic parks, financed by Chinese donations.
These projects are expected to generate annual savings of up to $7 million for the Cuban government.
The difficulties imposed by the economic embargo
The economic blockade of United States is one of the main challenges faced by Cuba in its quest to modernize its electrical system.
Sanctions make it difficult to import fuel and other essential goods, raising costs and limiting choices of trading partners.
Ships carrying goods to Cuba face US sanctions, which raises prices and reduces the frequency of deliveries.
Despite these adversities, cooperation with China demonstrates how strategic alliances can offer viable solutions to mitigate the effects of the embargo.
Conclusion
The donation of almost 70 tons of equipment by China is another chapter in the close relationship between the two countries.
In addition to alleviating Cuba’s energy crisis, this partnership reinforces the importance of international solidarity in times of need.
The question remains: Will China’s aid and investment in renewable energy be enough to transform Cuba’s energy future, or will the economic blockade continue to limit the island’s progress?
The United States should have already lifted all sanctions on Cuba, and warned of new ones if they fail to comply with some rules. The time of war is over and the president there is now another one. They don't even come close to North Korea. The people pay the biggest price.
Once again, China shows that geopolitics is no longer done with terror or sanctions.
The communist system has shown the enemies of democracy how to do politics, not only through demagogy, but through projects and human solidarity. Since the pandemic that ravaged the world, China has shown its kindness, thank God, that it has used China as an angel of help for other nations, including those less sustainable, which depend on support from the strongest and richest countries. Unlike the United States, which instead of helping socially and financially, has placed an embargo so that these countries cannot get back on their feet, as they are doing with Venezuela, Cuba and now Captain Trump wants to do with Brazil and many other countries. They only create impediments, barriers and embargoes, so that these countries will spend their entire lives bowing before them. But this story is already changing. China is one of the countries in the Mercosur Union, they will get their revenge.
What will China charge in the future? The Chinese have no mercy for their people, why are they so concerned about Cubans?
Accustomed to and living with those who are worthless, any good soul who fulfills his duty with solidarity receives distrust and slander
Kudos to the Chinese. May they continue helping and make Cuba a modern and efficient country again.
And let the Americans stay where they belong.