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Amid Cuba’s prolonged energy crisis, solar photovoltaic systems are emerging as a lifeline for small and medium-sized enterprises struggling with daily power outages.
In Havana, one small cafe stands out on blackout nights. While the surrounding streets are plunged into darkness, the cafe remains brightly lit.
“Right now there is no electricity inside at all. We are running on solar panels and charging our batteries at the same time. These batteries supply all the power for the entire house. It takes about seven or eight hours to fully charge them. Here you can see the batteries charging. It’s at 99 percent,” said Adrian, cafe manager.
The solar system not only keeps the business operating normally during long outages but also offers customers a place to charge their devices.
“It basically solves all my work-related problems because I work online. Without power at home, I wouldn’t be able to work,” said Richard, a customer.
Cuba’s electricity shortage has worsened significantly due to the impact of the U.S. blockade, with daily blackouts in Havana often lasting more than 10 hours. This has severely disrupted both daily life and commercial activities.
In response, more small businesses are turning to solar energy.
“Sales are growing mainly because of increased demand. Energy supply in Cuba has been very limited for many years and is declining. This need is being met through solar energy,” said Alexander, a solar system seller.
As equipment costs continue to fall, solar systems are gradually becoming affordable for small and medium-sized enterprises.
The Cuban government is also supporting the shift toward renewable energy by offering incentives, including tariff exemptions on imported solar equipment for individuals and companies, as well as tax breaks for businesses and individuals investing in renewable energy projects.
Solar power helps Cuban small businesses survive energy crisis
Multinational companies are deepening roots in China, striving to become partners in co-creation and innovation with Chinese industry amid new development opportunities.
At the just concluded 7th Qingdao Multinationals Summit, over 300 global executives gathered to discuss closer cooperation and future plans in line with China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), with the key theme of “co-creation” resonating throughout the event.
“We are not simply bringing in technologies for application in China. In today’s environment, we need to innovate together with local partners, ensuring innovations stay in China, while also seeking ways to internationalize,” said Geng Ming, president of Alstom China.
Early approaches saw China as a sales market, but that view is evolving quickly, noted Cao Yang, global vice-president of Baker Hughes and president of Baker Hughes China.
“When we first talked about development in Shandong Province, or China, we saw it as an end market. However, we realized that the manufacturing capabilities of Chinese partners are rising rapidly. Both sides must take Chinese-made products and technologies abroad together,” said Cao.
Companies highlighted how research and development in China now powers their global portfolios.
“When we first came, we saw immense potential in the Chinese market. Over time, we have seen the industrial ecosystem mature. Products developed in China are now exported to Southeast Asia and other markets. We are very optimistic about China and consider it a global innovation hub,” said Yang Lan, senior director of public affairs of Herbalife China.
The evolving role of multinationals in China is synchronized with local growth, moving from “entering China” to “rooting in China” and now “co-creating” with China. Firms said the 15th Five-Year Plan will be their action guide for future investment and innovation.
“I think the 15th Five-Year Plan is quite important. China has to keep modernizing the old economy and in the same time making the best out of new sectors, be it healthcare, be it artificial intelligence, be it electric mobility and you name it,” said Denis Depoux, global managing director at Germany’s strategy consulting firm Roland Berger.
“We went from participating in China’s rail transit development to becoming a part of its growth and progress,” said Geng.
“The 15th Five-Year Plan provides very clear policy and industry support for development and innovation in biomedicine. Standing on this foundation, Revvity has a clear position in China, and we aim to become a partner in Chinese innovation,” said Liu Jiang, vice president and general manager of Greater China at Revvity.
The three-day Qingdao Multinationals Summit, which drew 357 multinational companies from 44 countries and regions, concluded Wednesday in east China’s Shandong Province.
Global firms root deeper in China’s innovation drive
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© 2026 Bastillepost. All rights reserved.

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