This Monday Cuba received a donation of 5,000 solar panel kits from China, intended to electrify isolated homes in rural areas and to support the recovery of the territories hardest hit by the Hurricane Melissa.
As reported Cubadebatethe official delivery took place at the Mariel Container Terminal, with the presence of the Chinese ambassador in Havana, Hua Xin, and the first vice minister of Energy and Mines, Argelio Jesús Abad, who highlighted the solidarity and strategic nature of the donation.
“This aid will provide stable and clean energy support for post-disaster recovery, accelerating the restoration of normality,” said Ambassador Hua Xin, stressing that the gesture “reflects the brotherhood and cooperation between China and Cuba.”
The 5,000 Photovoltaic Systems donated will help the recovery and reconstruction of the area affected by Melissa. pic.twitter.com/GF5mERh9xB
— Hua Xin 华昕 (@EmbHuaXin) November 10, 2025
According to the Cuban News Agency (ACN)the diplomat also highlighted that energy assistance will provide stable and clean support, crucial for the recovery of the eastern region of Cubarecently affected by the passage of Hurricane Melissa.
Each photovoltaic system has a capacity of 2 kilowatt hours and includes batteries that allow the operation of essential household equipment such as refrigerators, televisions and lighting systems, benefiting thousands of families in prioritized rural communities.
China’s donation to Cuba and the SEN crisis
Vice Minister Abad thanked the “solidarity and sustained support of the Chinese Government”, while highlighting that the donation “accelerates the island’s energy transition towards clean and renewable sources, in addition to improving the quality of life in areas with limited access to the electrical grid.”
The donation, managed by the China International Cooperation and Development Agency, is in addition to a first similar shipment made in 2021 with another 5,000 300-watt solar panels, the agency said. EFE.
On this occasion, the teams will be distributed according to a municipal technical study that prioritizes productive rural areas and the most isolated communities.
During the ceremony, Elena Ortiz Fernández, head of the installation project and official of the Renewable Energy Directorate of the Electrical Union (UNE), explained that the inspection and distribution process has already begun, with the collaboration of Chinese and Cuban specialists.
“We are in the phase of opening the containers and distribution by provinces and municipalities, guaranteeing the quality and functionality of the equipment before its final installation,” said Ortiz Fernández.
Energy cooperation with China has allowed Cuba to install more than 30 photovoltaic parkscontributing significantly to its goal of 37% of electricity generation coming from renewable sources by 2030 and in the midst of the serious energy crisis that the island is going through.
