Cuba suffers second nationwide blackout in five days amid energy crisis

Cuba is grappling with another widespread power outage, the second in just five days, highlighting the nation's deepening energy crisis. The state-run electricity company, Unión Eléctrica de Cuba (UNE), reported a total blackout of the National Electric System on Friday afternoon. This marks the fourth major outage in less than six months and the ninth since late 2024.

Officials attribute the recurring blackouts to a severe shortage of fuel, exacerbated by U.S. oil sanctions imposed on the island. The UNE previously explained that the lack of fuel complicated efforts to restore power after the previous outage on Monday, which was caused by a voltage fluctuation and low electricity production. The country's energy infrastructure relies heavily on seven aging thermal power plants, some over 40 years old, which frequently break down or require maintenance. A network of backup diesel generators also depends on imported fuel.

The main power plant, Antonio Guiteras, has been repeatedly shut down for repairs this year, further straining the system. These issues, combined with the U.S. blockade on oil, result in daily blackouts that can exceed 24 hours in Havana and over 70 hours in other parts of the island. To mitigate the crisis, the Cuban government has been investing in solar energy, with assistance from China. Solar parks installed between 2025 and early 2026 now generate over 1,000 MW, representing 10% of the country's total electricity production, a significant increase from 3% at the end of 2024. Authorities aim to reach 15% by the end of 2026.