Cuba Faces Massive Blackouts Affecting 58% of Nation Amid Energy Crisis

Cuba is bracing for another day of widespread and prolonged blackouts, with the state-run Electric Union (UNE) estimating that 58% of the nation will be simultaneously without power this Friday. This latest projection underscores the critical state of the island's energy infrastructure, which has been in crisis since mid-2024 and has been severely worsened by ongoing U.S. oil sanctions. The situation is dire, with daily blackouts in Havana exceeding 22 hours and stretching to two consecutive days in other parts of the country, severely disrupting daily life and economic activities.

The UNE reports a significant deficit between electricity generation capacity and demand. With a projected generation of 1,360 megawatts (MW) and a peak demand of 3,200 MW, the shortfall stands at 1,840 MW. This gap necessitates the disconnection of 1,870 MW to prevent uncontrolled outages. The primary culprit is the lack of fuel, particularly diesel and fuel oil, which are essential for the generation plants responsible for 40% of the country's power. This fuel shortage is a direct consequence of the U.S. "oil blockade," a policy the United Nations has deemed contrary to international law.

Compounding the fuel scarcity are the structural issues plaguing Cuba's thermoelectric plants, which account for another 40% of electricity generation. These plants, many of which have been in operation for decades, suffer from obsolescence and a chronic lack of investment. While gas and renewable sources, including solar power with Chinese support, contribute the remaining 20% of the energy mix, they are insufficient to compensate for the failures in the conventional power generation sector. Cuba requires approximately 100,000 barrels of oil daily, with only 40,000 produced domestically, highlighting its heavy reliance on imports.

This energy crisis is a major driver of the broader economic downturn gripping the island. Independent studies estimate that revitalizing the energy system would require between $8 billion and $10 billion. The economic contraction has been severe, with the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) falling by over 15% between 2020 and 2025, and forecasts suggesting a further decline of 6.5% to 15% this year. The Cuban government describes the situation as "critical," a sentiment echoed by citizens struggling with the daily realities of extensive power outages.