Does Cuba have an energy crisis?

Cuba isn’t just in an energy crisis; the country’s grid sits on the verge of systemic failure. The National Electric System, most of which was built after 1959, hasn’t received the investment and maintenance it needs for 35 years—a consequence of Cuba’s complex political and economic history.

How can Cuba build a more resilient energy system?

Building a Cleaner, More Resilient Energy System in Cuba recommends numerous ways by which domestic policy in Cuba can prioritize working towards a more sustainable, resilient grid — especially by investing in the energy transition — and ways in which international cooperation can support these goals.

How much of Cuba's energy is renewable?

The government set a goal of deriving 37 percent of Cuba’s energy from renewable sources by 2030; so far they’ve reached only 3 percent. Cuba is actively looking to partner internationally on energy initiatives. Agreements with Russia primarily focus on modernizing existing thermal facilities and possibly constructing new ones.

How much electricity does Cuba use a year?

In 2016, Cuba consumed 16.16 billion kWh of electricity. Cuba does not produce or have reserves of coal; following a period of high coal consumption during the early 1990s, modern day Cuba imports tiny amounts of coal per year, and it does not constitute an important part of the energy matrix.

Why does Cuba have a bad energy system?

Cuba’s energy system also suffers from years of reliance on domestic, poor-quality heavy crude oil, which is corrosive because it’s high in sulfur. This has accelerated the wear and tear on boilers, turbines, and pipes in Cuba’s power plants, shortening their life spans and causing frequent and costly outages.

Are floating power plants a symptom of Cuba's power crisis?

To help compensate for power deficits, Cuba in 2019 started renting floating thermal power plants from other countries such as Turkey’s Karpowership. By 2023, eight of these kinds of ships were floating in Mariel Bay, Havana Bay, and Santiago de Cuba Bay. But their fate is now just another symptom of the crisis.