Port-au-Prince plunged into darkness after forced shutdown of hydroelectric plant

Port-au-Prince is without electricity after residents of Mirebalais forcibly shut down a hydroelectric plant protesting government inaction amid escalating gang-related violence.

Share:

Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, has lost electricity following a forceful intervention by residents of Mirebalais at a nearby hydroelectric plant. This abrupt shutdown comes in response to what protestors describe as a lack of concrete government actions against the growing influence of armed gangs throughout the country. According to recent United Nations (UN) estimates, escalating violence has displaced approximately 1.3 million people over the past six months. Haitian authorities have not yet publicly commented on this specific incident.

Incident in Mirebalais

Local media reported that residents of Mirebalais, located north of the capital, entered the hydroelectric plant on Tuesday afternoon, causing a disruption in regional power supply. Images and videos shared on social media, which Reuters has not immediately been able to verify, show protestors entering the facility and dismantling an electric transmission tower. Earlier in the day, a confrontation between security forces and armed gangs reportedly occurred in Mirebalais, during which a captured security vehicle was allegedly set on fire.

Local media emphasized this is the second significant incident involving the same hydroelectric plant in recent months. In May, interim Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime promised rapid action to prevent similar occurrences, yet these announcements have not led to tangible outcomes. The current transitional government appears unable to stem violence or restore public order effectively.

Tense political context

Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, Haiti has been mired in a prolonged political stalemate, governed by a transitional administration amid an escalating security crisis. Facing this critical situation, a security mission led by Kenya and supported by the UN is struggling to restore order nationwide. International leaders now advocate for establishing a formal UN peacekeeping mission.

The United States and Colombia recently discussed the possibility of deploying troops via the Organization of American States (OAS). However, no definitive decision has yet been announced. This latest disruption in Mirebalais underscores the persistent instability and highlights the increasing difficulty faced by the Haitian government to restore order, considered critical by international observers.

Beijing has launched the construction of a colossal dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo, with $167.1bn in public investment, drawing attention from New Delhi and downstream states.
Brookfield and Google formalise an unprecedented framework agreement to supply up to 3,000 MW of hydropower, with initial contracts worth more than $3 billion for facilities in Pennsylvania.
Eco Wave Power Global AB announces the completion of floaters manufacturing for its first American pilot plant, marking a major step towards the imminent deployment of wave energy at the Port of Los Angeles.
Eco Wave Power Global AB joins a consortium funded with €2.45mn by the European Interreg Atlantic Area programme to accelerate commercial implementation of wave energy technologies in Atlantic coastal regions.
Minesto has completed a reorganization that led to a 35% reduction in fixed costs and a focus on its future commercial projects. This reorganization includes geographical streamlining, a new management team, and a realignment of product development priorities.
Eco Wave Power shareholders approve renewed authorization to repurchase American Depositary Shares representing up to 10% of the company's total share capital, during the 2025 Annual General Meeting held in Stockholm, Sweden.
Proteus Marine Renewables' AR1100 tidal turbine, with a capacity of 1.1MW, obtains official Japanese certification and starts supplying electricity to the national grid after meeting stringent safety and reliability standards.
Swedish company Minesto will lead a consortium awarded €2.1 million funding to install an autonomous tidal-powered microgrid in the Faroe Islands aimed at off-grid communities.
Eco Wave Power Global AB will officially launch the first U.S. pilot wave energy project at the Port of Los Angeles on September 9, in partnership with AltaSea, an organization specializing in innovative maritime solutions.
The Burundian government officially launches the first phase of the Jiji-Mulembwe hydroelectric complex, a strategic 49.5 MW capacity project aimed at enhancing national energy supply through substantial international financing.
Agilitas Energy purchases two advanced-stage hydroelectric projects in West Virginia and Maryland, marking its entry into hydropower to bolster its capacity on the U.S. power grid.
The Russian company InterRAO anticipates a 4% annual reduction in electricity exports, primarily impacted by a significant decrease in shipments to China due to limited hydroelectric production and rising domestic demand.
The global hydropower plants market is projected to reach USD 318.3 billion by 2032, driven by growing demand for renewable energy, increased adoption of micro-hydropower plants, and heightened government support, according to a recent report.
Globeleq acquires a majority stake in Lunsemfwa Hydro Power Company, marking its entry into the Zambian energy market with two hydropower plants and a solar project.
The Asian Development Bank provides nearly a million dollars for improving Kyrgyzstan's energy system and considers an additional $150 million for the strategic Kambarata-1 hydroelectric dam.
Ukraine’s national operator Ukrhydroenergo announces an ambitious two-phase reconstruction plan to swiftly restore the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam, destroyed during the conflict, at an estimated cost of up to one billion dollars.
Swedish energy developer Minesto confirmed a 25% increase in output from its Dragon 12 tidal system, marking a key step towards commercial deployment in the Faroe Islands.
Axpo will start major works in May around its Beznau hydropower plant to meet the requirements of its new operating permit valid until 2052, including the creation of new ecological habitats.
Norwegian group Orkla announces the sale of its hydropower portfolio through two separate transactions, valuing the assets at NOK 6.1 billion. A strategic decision aimed at streamlining operations and refocusing priorities.
Eastern Kazakhstan plans to construct five hydropower plants with a total capacity of 74.3 MW, consolidating its position as a national leader in hydropower despite challenges related to land allocation.