China is helping Cuba address its worsening energy crisis through a rapid expansion of solar power. Cuba has installed dozens of new solar parks, significantly increasing the share of electricity generated from renewable energy, the WSJ reports. China has played a major role by supplying solar equipment and donating hundreds of megawatts of solar panels.
The shift toward solar comes as Cuba faces severe fuel shortages, declining Venezuelan oil supplies, and an aging electricity grid. However, the expansion has not ended the country’s frequent blackouts. Limited transmission capacity and a lack of battery storage make it difficult for Cuba to fully utilize the new solar power.
The development is also strengthening China’s influence in Cuba. By helping the island address a critical infrastructure and energy problem, Beijing is becoming an increasingly important economic and strategic partner for Havana.
