Solar Energy Expands

Cuba’s first solar-powered charging station opened in Santa Clara in early April — and it’s free. 

People are flocking to the “solinera” to charge electric vehicles, appliances and mobile phones, AP reports.

Renewable energy now accounts for around 10% of Cuba’s electricity, up from 3.6% in 2024, as the island battles chronic blackouts caused by U.S. economic warfare and the oil blockade.

Meanwhile Spanish humanitarian organization Open Arms is preparing its vessel Astral to set sail on Monday from Barcelona, carrying solar panels bound for the pediatric ICU at Havana’s Juan Manuel Márquez Pediatric Hospital.