Inauguration of the "La Carolina" solar park in Ciego de Ávila with the presence of high-ranking officials from the regime
The photovoltaic solar park “La Carolina” was inaugurated—with a ribbon-cutting ceremony included—in Ciego de Ávila during an event led by the revolutionary commander Ramiro Valdés, the Minister of Energy and Mines Vicente de la O Levy, along with officials from the Communist Party and the provincial government.
Presented on Facebook by Unión Eléctrica as a step to strengthen the renewable energy matrix of the territory, the event took place while Cuba is facing a serious energy crisis, with blackouts widespread throughout the country, fuel shortages and a population increasingly suffocated by the price hikes imposed by ETECSA, as well as the high cost of food and the lack of medicines.
An inauguration amidst the massive blackout
The Cuban regime continues to promote renewable energy projects amid one of the worst energy crises of the last few decades.
The inauguration of the solar park “La Carolina” is part of a recent series of openings of photovoltaic infrastructures in various provinces of the country, through which the government aims to project an image of progress despite the structural collapse of the electrical system.
However, the daily reality for millions of Cubans is completely different: prolonged blackouts, sometimes lasting more than 12 hours, affect all provinces of the country. The thermoelectric plants are in precarious conditions, fuel imports are insufficient, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep basic services operational.
A population on the brink
This picture of literal and figurative darkness is compounded by the chronic shortage of medicines and food, with prices that keep rising, in a market distorted by the partial dollarization and state inefficiency.
In this context, the recent tariff hike by ETECSA has further fueled public discontent, imposing new economic burdens on a citizenry that is already squeezed.
The government, far from providing relief, repeats the same script: it calls on the people to understand, resist, and be patient. In recent weeks, Díaz-Canel himself has insisted that these are necessary measures to avoid “technological collapse,” and that the people must accept them as part of their “duty to society.”
Technology without well-being
The opening of the “La Carolina” park was presented as a step toward energy sovereignty and the diversification of clean sources. However, in practice, these specific developments do not address the root of the crisis nor offer tangible relief to the majority of the population.
The official narrative relies on symbolic displays of progress, while on the streets, discontent, fatigue, and a sense of neglect are growing.
Frequently Asked Questions about the inauguration of the “La Carolina” solar park in Cuba
What is the “La Carolina” solar park and what is its purpose?
The “La Carolina” solar park is a photovoltaic facility inaugurated in Ciego de Ávila, Cuba, aimed at strengthening the renewable energy matrix of the region. This project is part of a series of recent openings of photovoltaic infrastructures in the country, as an attempt by the government to present a facade of progress amid a severe energy crisis.
How does the current energy crisis affect Cubans?
The energy crisis in Cuba is characterized by prolonged blackouts that affect all provinces of the country. The population faces a shortage of fuel, thermal power plants in precarious condition, and a collapsed electrical system. This situation is exacerbated by the high prices of food, medicines, and a recent increase in ETECSA tariffs, which heightens public discontent.
What is the energy capacity of the “La Carolina” solar park and other similar projects?
The “La Carolina” solar park joins other renewable energy projects in Cuba, such as the 21.8 megawatt solar park in Ciego de Ávila and others recently inaugurated in various provinces. However, the capacity of these parks is insufficient to address the national energy deficit, which at times exceeds 1,500 megawatts due to fuel shortages and the poor condition of the thermoelectric plants.
What limitations do solar parks in Cuba present?
Solar parks in Cuba face the significant limitation of insufficient batteries to store the generated electricity, meaning that solar energy can only be used in real time during the day. This prevents meeting nighttime demand, when consumption is highest, and significantly limits the impact of these projects on the energy crisis.