Cuba sentences man to 12 years for solar park sabotage

The Provincial People's Court of Pinar del Río has sentenced Yoelvys Álvarez Gavilán to 12 years in prison for the theft of screws and other essential components from the La Barbarita photovoltaic park in Consolación del Sur.

The court classified the theft as sabotage against Cuba's National Electric System (SEN) under Article 125 of the Penal Code, which carries sentences between seven and 15 years for offenses against critical infrastructure. Prosecutors noted that such actions negatively impact the national economy and the lives of citizens.

La Barbarita, inaugurated on May 10, 2025, has an installed capacity of 21.8 MWp and is the first of four planned solar parks in the region. Since its connection to the grid, it has generated 1,173 MWh and saved over 300 tons of fossil fuel.

This case is part of a broader trend of legal actions taken by Cuban authorities. Between 2025 and the first half of 2026, more than 460 criminal investigations were conducted regarding offenses against the SEN, including sabotage, damage, and theft. Recent sentences for similar electrical sabotage incidents have ranged from eight to 12 years.