Can Cuba's Energy Woes Be Solved?

On an average day , the Cuban government can meet only 50 to 70 percent of its country's electricity needs.

Cuba ’s entire grid has collapsed four times in the last six months .

Cuba 's energy system, most of which was built after 1959 , hasn’t received the investment and maintenance it needs for 35 years .

If neglect continues, the island nation will pay the high price of further economic decline, and increased social and political instability.

Cuba ’s economy is in a poor state due to the well-established inefficiencies of its economic model and U.S. sanctions.

Cuba lacks the necessary hard currency to import gasoline, acquire the spare parts it needs, access the latest technology, and attract significant foreign investment that is essential for upgrading its energy infrastructure.

Cuba 's recovery plans include investing in thermal plant maintenance, adding new capacity, adding solar energy, and securing fuel supplies from abroad.

And the comprehensive changes required for genuine, long-term recovery are currently beyond the island’s capabilities. The lights came back on after each major blackout, but the specter of the next one looms constantly..