Cuba shifts to renewables amid power cuts and US sanctions

Cuba has accelerated solar and wind projects with Chinese support as power cuts worsened after Venezuelan oil shipments fell; the government has set a target of 26% renewables by 2035.

Cuba has experienced longer and more frequent power cuts after Venezuelan oil shipments were halted under US pressure and ageing thermoelectric plants have broken down. The government is accelerating a shift to solar and wind, often with Chinese investment, and has committed to increasing renewables to 26% of the energy mix by 2035. Recent announcements include expanded construction of solar parks and a major wind project at Herradura. Officials frame the push as a response to energy shortages and the mounting impacts of the climate crisis. Key points: - Venezuelan oil shipments were reported halted under US pressure, contributing to deeper fuel shortages and extended outages, especially in eastern Cuba. - The government has set a 26% renewables target for 2035 and is advancing solar and wind projects with Chinese support and agreements to build new parks. - By October 2025 the government reported 35 completed solar parks and said renewables supplied roughly 9% of daytime electricity; the Herradura windfarm is planned to begin producing this year. - Experts and officials note major constraints: limited public finance, insufficient battery storage and grid losses, and investment needs that exceed current resources. Summary: Expanding solar and wind is presented as a way to reduce reliance on imported oil and to help the country adapt to more severe weather, but substantial funding, storage and transmission upgrades are required for a broader transition. Officials say turbines at the Herradura windfarm are scheduled for installation in March, with production expected by June. The longer-term success of the national energy transition remains undetermined at this time.