When we recently visited Cuba, one thing that intrigued your editor was the nuclear presence. And, no, we’re not talking about the ever imminent threats from the USA against the country itself. Here, as we traveled around this lovely island, we continually found evidence of a once strong nuclear power program for the residents of Cuba, ahead of its time. But, as quickly as the buildings appeared in our sights, they also as quickly disappeared, reduced to simply some “tired buildings,” far far away. It would have been a challenge to try to get close, as it is “sealed” to deter spelunkers and other curious adventurers. But, after we returned from Cuba, we discovered this video, below, that took the challenge forward a bit.
Here, we’re talking about the Juragua Nuclear Power Plant, which was a nuclear power plant under construction in Cuba when a suspension of construction was announced in 1992 following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the termination of Soviet economic aid to Cuba. Russia and Cuba sought third-country financing to complete the plant in the mid-1990s but in 2000 the two countries agreed to abandon the project.
Cuba’s interest in civil use of nuclear energy dated back to 1956, when Cuba and the United States signed an “Agreement for co-operation concerning civil uses of atomic energy”. This agreement suggested the possibility of further cooperation extending to the design, construction, and operation of power producing nuclear reactors.[3] The agreement was reached during Fulgencio Batista’s regime, later overthrown as a result of the Cuban Revolution in 1959. The treaty was ultimately terminated during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962.
Stay in any one of the luxurious hotels in Havana, such as the National Hotel, above. Expedia.ca offers bookings in Cuba. Cubans are lovely people. You will find that the homes on offer are often as appealing as larger hotels and much less expensive. Click here to look and book.
Canada’s Air transat flies to Cuba, and has holidays, too. Click here to book your flight and save.