The government prioritizes investments in solar parks to "recover the SEN," according to Marrero
One of the most effective rules in mass manipulation is to keep alive the hope for a better future, and based on that premise, the Cuban Prime Minister, Manuel Marrero Cruz, stated this weekend that the government’s top priority is to “recover the National Electric System (SEN),” and that efforts are being focused on investments, particularly in solar parks, to achieve this.
During a tour of the municipality of Gibara, in Holguín, Marrero stated that “efforts are being made for the situation to improve by summer,” although he did not specify dates or technical details regarding the actual capacity of these projects or their immediate impact, reported the official newspaper Granma.
“We are focused on continuing with the investments, especially in photovoltaic parks to reduce the outages, which will change the country’s economy and the lives of the population,” he declared to the press that reported on his visit.
The promise arrives at a time when Cubans are facing daily blackouts exceeding 15 hours, impacting not only everyday life but also food production, storage, and basic services.
That is why it is very difficult to believe in their words when practice, the criterion of truth, shows that for years the energy crisis has affected the population, which cannot even see a glimmer of hope at the end of the road.
While insisting that “we will gradually see the results,” Marrero also reiterated the approach of appealing to local effort, urging communities to generate their own solutions.
He proposed, for example, to build organoponics with rustic wood and traditional watering cans to produce food in just 30 days, as if access to supplies, seeds, and water were not also part of the structural crisis.
The Prime Minister’s speech reiterated the need to transform the mindset of the leaders and public officials, emphasizing that “we cannot allow the groups to lose their enthusiasm due to a leader who is not capable.” However, at no point did he acknowledge the lack of concrete results from these structures after years of unfulfilled promises.
He also did not admit that he, along with the regime’s leadership, are the ones directing those officials who, during their “visits,” become the target of criticism.
Marrero also addressed the situation of the elderly, the bureaucracy that hinders access to procedures and medications in rural areas, and the poor management of usufruct lands, but did not announce any concrete solutions beyond suggestions and calls to “not tolerate shoddy work.”
In his speech, he again mentioned the U.S. embargo as “the main impact”, but added that there should be no “self-blockade”, an idea that suggests the regime is always on the lookout for new distractions to blame for its inefficiency.
For a population suffering from blackouts, food shortages, collapsing hospitals, and inadequate salaries, investing in solar parks sounds good on paper, but it can hardly compensate for years of neglect, improvisation, and lack of accountability.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis and Promises from the Cuban Government
What does the Cuban government promise to improve the National Electric System (SEN)?
The Cuban government promises the installation of solar parks to restore the National Electric System (SEN), aiming to reduce blackouts and improve the country’s economy. However, the lack of technical details and the history of unfulfilled promises create skepticism about their actual impact.
What is the role of renewable energies in Cuba’s energy strategy?
Renewable energies are key in the Cuban energy strategy, with plans to build 55 solar parks that will generate 1,200 MW before 2025. Despite the promises, the lack of batteries to store energy limits their effectiveness, keeping blackouts as a persistent problem.
What challenges does the Cuban government face in implementing its energy plan?
The Cuban government faces challenges such as a lack of investment and obsolete infrastructure to implement its energy plan. Dependence on foreign technologies and shortages of critical components complicate the execution of large-scale projects, such as the integration of solar energy into the SEN.
How does the energy crisis affect the daily life of Cubans?
The energy crisis is causing prolonged blackouts that affect the daily lives of Cubans, impacting key sectors such as the economy, health, and social welfare. Government promises for improvements have not resulted in concrete solutions, leaving the population in an unsustainable situation.