Cuba’s recent plunge into darkness due to a collapsed power grid is more than just a temporary setback; it’s a stark reflection of the island’s long-standing struggles with an outdated infrastructure and an economy teetering on the brink. As the lights went out, so too did the hopes of many Cubans who have been enduring relentless power outages—some lasting up to 20 hours a day. This isn’t merely a hiccup; it’s a full-blown crisis that has brought non-essential public services to a standstill, shuttered schools, and left traffic lights in the capital blinking out of existence.
The roots of this blackout dig deep into Cuba’s fragile energy infrastructure, which is alarmingly dependent on fossil fuels. Government figures reveal that the country produces only a third of the electricity it needs, relying heavily on eight aging coal-fired power plants—some of which have been limping along for over four decades. The situation is exacerbated by a tightening US trade embargo, which has made it increasingly difficult for Cuba to purchase fuel. The irony is palpable; as the island grapples with the fallout from a decades-old embargo, its energy landscape remains tethered to a crumbling network that’s in desperate need of overhaul.
Cuba’s reliance on oil from Venezuela has also taken a hit, with Caracas slashing its deliveries significantly. The numbers tell a grim story: from 33,700 barrels a day in June to just 22,000 in September. The government has attempted to patch the holes in its energy supply by leasing floating power plants and deploying small diesel generators, but these measures are akin to putting a Band-Aid on a gaping wound.
The economic landscape in Cuba is equally bleak. The country is grappling with its worst crisis since the Soviet Union’s collapse, characterized by rampant inflation and severe shortages of essentials—food, medicine, fuel, and even water. While the Cuban government points fingers at the US embargo, the truth is that the island is also reeling from the aftershocks of the pandemic and a history of economic mismanagement. The public’s frustration has boiled over into protests, with thousands taking to the streets in July 2021, chanting “We are hungry” and “Freedom!” It was a moment that shook the government, leading to a crackdown that saw hundreds detained, many of whom remain imprisoned.
In the face of such dire circumstances, the government has made some concessions, allowing the creation of small- and medium-sized private businesses. Yet, these changes feel like too little, too late. The electricity situation saw a temporary improvement in 2023, only to spiral downward once again. The recent protests in March are a testament to the growing discontent among the populace, who are demanding not just food and electricity, but a better future.
Amidst this turmoil, a wave of emigration has swept over the island, with many Cubans abandoning hope for change. The exodus is unprecedented, with over 700,000 making their way to the United States in just over two years. The demographic shift is staggering; by 2024, Cuba’s population is projected to dip below 10 million, a stark contrast to the 11.1 million counted in 2012.
As Cuba stands at this crossroads, the implications for its energy sector and broader economy are profound. The island needs a radical rethink of its energy policies, a pivot toward sustainable and self-sufficient sources of power. Otherwise, it risks not just the lights going out, but the very future of its people. The question looms: will the government seize this moment to innovate and adapt, or will it continue to cling to outdated practices that only perpetuate the cycle of crisis? The world watches, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
