Cuba Faces Energy Crisis: Prime Minister Announces Measures to Improve the Situation

Marrero Cruz emphasized that the highest leadership of the party, the State, and the Government are focused on finding solutions to the complex energy situation. Oct 18, 2024 Photo: Granma

October 18, 2024 Hour: 1:23 am

The Prime Minister also mentioned three key factors contributing to the deficit in electricity generation: the state of the infrastructure, lack of fuel, and increased demand.

The Prime Minister of Cuba, Manuel Marrero Cruz, addressed the country’s current energy emergency in a statement this evening, responding to a request from President Miguel Díaz-Canel. During his speech, Marrero Cruz assured that the government will work to restore energy consumption through the arrival of oil tankers.

Marrero emphasized that the leadership of the Party, the State, and the Government are committed to finding solutions to the complex energy situation and mitigating the impacts caused by blackouts. “The fuel oil ship arrived on schedule, but due to adverse weather conditions, it could not operate until October 14”.

Another ship is expected to arrive in Moa tonight, while both ships are currently in Matanzas, ready to head to Mariel and Havana. Fuel availability in Havana is expected to improve overnight,” reported Edrey Rocha González, director of Unión Cuba Petróleo (CUPET).

The Prime Minister also mentioned three key factors contributing to the deficit in electricity generation: the state of the infrastructure, lack of fuel, and increased demand. “Tomorrow we will have fuel and diesel available at almost all locations. The trend is for fuel availability to improve in the coming days,” Rocha added.

Additionally, around 2,000 tons of diesel are expected to be delivered, which will help improve the situation in Havana, Mariel, and Moa. For his part, Alfredo López Valdés, general director of the Cuban Electric Union, emphasized that the Felton thermoelectric plant in the East and the Guiteras plant in the West, which account for most of national consumption, are currently undergoing maintenance. “This could generate more difficulties in the coming days,” he warned.

López Valdés also mentioned that 31 photovoltaic parks of 20 MW each are being developed, aiming to be operational by next summer. Regarding demand, the UNE director indicated that an additional 120 MW have been recorded during the early mornings, reflecting an increase in consumption during those hours.

Prime Minister Marrero emphasized that efforts to improve quality of life will not be limited to the population, although he acknowledged that there has been growth in non-state management forms that pay subsidized rates without control.

A possible long-term solution would be “to eliminate dependence on fossil fuels and replace it with clean energy.” In this regard, approximately 900 MW from photovoltaic energy and other renewable sources are expected to contribute by 2025.

Marrero Cruz reiterated that both the Party and the Government are dedicated to finding solutions to confront this complex energy situation. To this end, priority will be given to the residential sector and all non-essential work activities will be suspended.