Cuba: Solar charging station brings relief to energy-starved Cubans.

Shotlist Havana, Cuba - Recent (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland) 1. Solar charging station 2. Various of residents at charging station 3. Charging station worker registering client information 4. Residents at charging station 5. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Josd Artimes, resident (partially overlaid with shot 6): "I live a block and a half away and I come almost every day. I bring a fan and a battery. I plug my fan directly in here, and once it's fully charged, it can be used right away." ++SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE++ 6. Sockets ++SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE++ 7. Solar charging station sign 8. Solar panels 9. Various of charging equipment 10. Phones for charging 11. Resident bringing his device for charging 12. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Francisco Javier, technician: "We see a large number of residents coming here. We have installed 26 charging sockets to handle portable generators, fans, rechargeable lamps, and all kinds of equipment." 13. Various vehicles, battery at charging station 14. Various of batteries 15. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Silvia Hernandez, resident (ending with shot 16): "Because we go without power for many hours, charging keeps the food in the refrigerator from spoiling. The generator can power the television, refrigerators, freezers, household fans, and some lighting equipment." 16. Various of Hernandez charging her batteries 17. Octavio Redondo, resident, bringing in his battery 18. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Octavio Redondo, resident: "This is a huge convenience for us. Given our current electricity situation, this really helps a lot." 19. Various of devices for charging 20. Residents at charging station 21. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Reyna Manfugas, municipal development official in Cerro (partially overlaid with shot 22): "The charging station benefits residents in the community and surrounding areas. We plan to build more stations like this, which will reach more people and help alleviate the impact of the current situation." ++SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE++ 22. Solar panels; sockets ++SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE++ 23. Various of charging station worker at work Storyline Amid an unrelenting energy crisis that leaves Cuban homes with just hours of electricity a day, a community solar charging station has brought a vital spark to Havana's Cerro district. Every morning, residents gather in the small courtyard of the charging station, carrying portable power banks, electric fans, and rechargeable lamps. While rolling blackouts leave residents unable to run fans, preserve food in refrigerators, or turn on lights, the solar charging station has quietly become a vital lifeline. Offering a steady supply of clean energy, the station uses sunlight to charge essential household appliances, fueling both daily necessities and the spirits of the community. "I live a block and a half away and I come almost every day. I bring a fan and a battery. I plug my fan directly in here, and once it's fully charged, it can be used right away," said Josd Artimes, a resident. Equipped with 36 photovoltaic panels generating 580 watts each, the station features 26 sockets designed to accommodate high-demand domestic necessities. Offering crucial relief for a nominal fee, the station aids citizens who cannot afford private rooftop solar setups. "We see a large number of residents coming here. We have installed 26 charging sockets to handle portable generators, fans, rechargeable lamps, and all kinds of equipment," said Francisco Javier, a technician. Cuba's energy grid, battered by fuel shortages caused by U.S. "energy siege", has forced households to rely on portable batteries to maintian basic living standards, with the charging station helping residents like Silvia Hernandez prevent food spoilage and beat the intense heat. "Because we go without power for many hours, charging keeps the food in the refrigerator from spoiling. The generator can power the television, refrigerators, freezers, household fans, and some lighting equipment," said Hernandez. "This is a huge convenience for us. Given our current electricity situation, this really helps a lot," said Octavio Redondo, another resident. The charging station is part of a broader government initiative to combat the current energy crisis and promote renewable energy. With more than 20 such stations already operational nationwide and further expansions planned, the project is bringing tangible relief to neighborhoods across Cuba. "The charging station benefits residents in the community and surrounding areas. We plan to build more stations like this, which will reach more people and help alleviate the impact of the current situation," said Reyna Manfugas, a municipal development official in Cerro.