Cuba has approved new regulations to encourage renewable energy as the island confronts a severe electricity shortfall, with generation capacity reaching just 1,050 megawatts against estimated demand of 3,300 MW.
Resolutions 179 and 180, which took effect this weekend, exempt solar panel systems and components from import duties and expand the ability to sell biomass and wind power to the national grid. The measures coincide with a donation of 5,000 photovoltaic systems from China, handed over at the Chinese embassy in Havana on Friday. President Miguel Díaz-Canel thanked Beijing for the donation, which is intended to supply electricity to households in 169 rural municipalities.
Cuba has endured at least seven nationwide blackouts as aging infrastructure and a US energy blockade imposed since January compound the crisis. The government aims to install 92 solar parks totaling 2,000 MW and cover 24% of electricity needs with renewables by 2030.