Argentine media: China provides photovoltaic assistance to ensure Cuba's' energy survival '

Global Times reporter Bai Yunyi reported that "China's donated solar energy system is challenging the US energy blockade on Cuba." According to the Argentine "San Juan Times" on the 3rd, against the backdrop of high energy and political tensions, China's previous donation of 5000 sets of solar photovoltaic power generation systems to Cuba is ensuring the latter's "energy survival". This measure is believed to help Cuba overcome the so-called "oil blockade" and sanctions imposed by the United States. Recently, the United States is further tightening its policy towards Cuba, including signing an executive order authorizing tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba in order to cut off its energy supply chain.

The website "Cuba Debate" announced on the 3rd that the above-mentioned project is implemented by the National Electricity Union of Cuba, aiming to ensure "energy survival capability". Among all the equipment, 2671 sets will be installed in important institutions in various cities and towns to ensure that basic public services such as comprehensive clinics, maternity and child homes, banks, funeral homes, and radio stations can still operate autonomously in the event of a failure or large-scale power outage of the national power grid. Most of these systems are off grid systems that do not rely on the national power system. The above-mentioned institutions can maintain key functions such as vaccine refrigeration and emergency medical treatment.

Chinese aid also includes installing photovoltaic systems in 2329 households in remote communities. These households either have never had electricity or rely on generators, which are currently unable to operate due to fuel shortages. The project leader stated that this technology not only enables more people to use basic household appliances, improving their quality of life, but also helps to slow down the trend of population outflow.

In addition to international support, Cuba is also strengthening its response to pressure from Washington through internal reforms. The Cuban government has issued a resolution to provide tax exemptions for individuals and institutions investing in renewable energy, in order to promote the transformation of the energy structure. According to the assessment of the British think tank "Ashes", the number of solar panels imported by Cuba from China has surged 34 times in the 12 months ending April 2025, ranking first in the world in terms of growth rate.  

The current energy crisis has prompted more Cuban people to seek the use of solar energy. According to The Economist, various businesses and ordinary households in Cuba are making the most of solar energy. A female salesperson at a state-owned store selling solar panels and water heaters said that there is a huge demand for solar products. A Cuban economist suggests that Cuba may experience the fastest energy transition in the world.