Cuba forges ahead with renewable energy plans amid US oil blockade
Summary
Cuba is working to increase its use of renewable energy as the United States enforces an oil blockade limiting fuel supplies to the island. This blockade, part of President Trump’s efforts to pressure Cuba’s government, has caused shortages and pushed Cuba to develop its own energy sources like solar and wind power.Key Facts
- The US has effectively blocked most oil shipments to Cuba since January, targeting Venezuela’s fuel exports to the island.
- President Trump imposed heavy tariffs on countries that export oil to Cuba, calling the Cuban government a national security threat.
- Cuba has installed 144 solar farms with a total capacity of about 1,418 megawatts, largely using solar panels imported from China.
- Only 9% of Cuba’s energy consumption came from renewable sources as of 2023, but this is increasing due to the blockade.
- Cuba’s domestic crude oil production mainly serves power plants and is not enough to meet all energy needs.
- The blockade has caused shortages in fuel, medicine, and water, leading to long power blackouts and hardships for the population.
- The United Nations and human rights groups have criticized the US oil blockade as violating international law.
- The US seized biodiesel shipments worth $2.8 million that were illegally destined for Cuba in October 2024.
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