Story perspectives

Trump Blockade Sparks Cuba Power Crisis, China Supplies Panels

5/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump's fuel blockade has plunged Cuba, forcing school closures.
Cuba's grid now runs only on domestic crude, natural gas and renewables, leaving Havana neighborhoods without power for up to 22 hours, diesel supplies exhausted.
China has supplied solar panels and batteries that provide 10 % of power, though experts say $8 billion is needed for 93 % renewable generation, a cost Cuba cannot meet without development finance institutions.

History

Historical Context

When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Cuba’s oil imports fell to about 10 % of pre-1990 levels, sparking the Special Period’s deep energy cuts. The grid, still 96 % fossil-fuel dependent in 2011, now burns roughly 100,000 barrels of oil daily and draws 770 MW from eight Turkish powerships. Those historic shortages drive today’s rolling blackouts and push renewable expansion.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump's fuel blockade has plunged Cuba, forcing school closures.
Cuba's grid now runs only on domestic crude, natural gas and renewables, leaving Havana neighborhoods without power for up to 22 hours, diesel supplies exhausted.
China has supplied solar panels and batteries that provide 10 % of power, though experts say $8 billion is needed for 93 % renewable generation, a cost Cuba cannot meet without development finance institutions.

1 / 2