While Cuba may not instantly come to mind regarding renewables and solar energy, prominent nations like China often dominate headlines due to their extensive solar initiatives. This focus on larger countries can overshadow the progress being made by smaller nations. Cuba serves as a notable example, displaying significant advancements in renewable energy development—with substantial support from China.
In February 2026, Cuba garnered worldwide attention after announcing a remarkable generation of over 800MW of solar power in just one afternoon. The following day, the nation surpassed its previous record, reaching 900MW, which was celebrated through a tweet from the Ministry of Energy and Mines. This achievement came on the heels of strategic investments in solar capacity made by Cuba in 2025, signifying a transformative change in its energy policy. Notably, the contribution of solar energy to the country’s total energy generation surged from 5.8% in January 2025 to a commendable 20% by the same month in 2026.
Traditionally, Cuba relied heavily on costly imported fossil fuels to meet its energy demands, compounded by longstanding sanctions imposed by the U.S. Recent developments, however, have seen China stepping in to assist in creating numerous solar parks throughout the nation, with plans to build 92 parks by 2028.
China’s Support in Enhancing Cuba’s Renewable Energy Framework
Cuba’s rapid advancements in solar energy production cannot be overlooked. Nonetheless, the transient availability of solar power poses challenges, especially as peak electricity demand occurs during evening hours, typically between 7 and 8 p.m.—long after solar generation ceases. Unless sufficient battery storage solutions are established, solar energy produced during the day might go unused. To address this, China is also supplying battery technology to the Cuban market.
Beyond enhancing solar energy generation, China is instrumental in supplying portable solar energy systems designed for homes and institutions not connected to the national grid—similar to the setups recommended on platforms like SlashGear. More than 10,000 such kits have been distributed across Cuba, capable of powering basic appliances such as refrigerators, fans, and televisions. While this may appear modest, it has the potential to significantly improve life quality for many Cubans.
China’s involvement extends beyond solar projects, as it is also exploring Cuba’s wind energy capabilities and investing in that sector. The wind farms developed by Chinese companies throughout Cuba have successfully prevented several tons of carbon dioxide emissions, showcasing their wider commitment to renewable energy solutions.
