The landscape of Holguin is being transformed from the ground up. What began as a shared dream, supported by international solidarity. It is now a tangible reality that beats in the heart of our communities.
The Former Project, this beautiful strategic alliance between the governments of Cuba and Canada. It is in the final stretch of its implementation phase—scheduled to conclude in July. Consolidating a development model that rightfully places women and renewable energy sources (RES) at the center of social progress.
Also this is not simply a technical assessment, but a human impact that is redefining the daily lives of thousands of Holguin residents. Where before the noise of generators only guaranteed four hours of electricity. So today there is the peace of mind of a stable 24-hour service thanks to sunlight.
According to Tania Hidalgo Gómez, head of the Photovoltaic Group at the Renewable Energy Unit of the Holguin Electric Company, the investment schedule is progressing steadily. Demonstrating the strong organizational capacity of the sector’s workers in the province.
Of the 502 photovoltaic systems planned for the province’s 14 municipalities, 344 are already complete—244 with a capacity of 1 kW and 100 with 2 kW. Representing an injection of clean energy that is already transforming the lives of 10 Holguin municipalities. With only four remaining to achieve full coverage for the province.
This impact of the Former Project extends beyond homes and is strongly integrated into vital sectors. Such as health and education, where human well-being is a social priority.
Moreover the impact is already being felt in institutions throughout the province. Proof of this is the installation of 30 solar water heaters that are currently optimizing services at the “Octavio de la Concepción y de la Pedraja” Provincial Pediatric Hospital. As well as at various polyclinics, daycare centers, maternity homes, and senior citizens’ homes in the region. Likewise, the hospital in the mining municipality of Moa is benefiting from a new water pumping system. And a solar park dedicated exclusively to its laundry facilities.
For its part, science and academia are also finding support in this partnership. A demonstration solar park is currently under construction at the University of Moa. Designed not only for efficient energy generation but also to become a leading scientific and educational benchmark for the entire country.
To ensure professional development and technological sovereignty, the project inaugurated three classrooms specializing in renewable energies at the “Luis de Feria Garayalde” Polytechnic Institute. Also the “José Antonio Boizán” Institute, and the university’s own mining and metallurgical campus. These spaces are equipped with climate control, contemporary furnishings, measuring instruments, and state-of-the-art tools.
Furthermore the sustainability of this endeavor is guaranteed by expertise. Thanks to high-level training provided by Canadian experts in wind, photovoltaic, hydroelectric, and thermal technologies, the province now boasts instructors recognized as “Champions.”
These instructors are tasked with replicating this knowledge within the communities. With a special emphasis on preparing women for the use, care, and maintenance of the installed systems.
Indeed, women from vulnerable communities have been the heart of Former. The delivery of 2 kW systems to women managing farms and local businesses fosters economic independence, food sovereignty, and female empowerment that breaks down stereotypes in rural areas.
So the implementation phase of Former will conclude in a few weeks, but the project remains in Holguin. It remains in the panels that capture the sun each morning, in the classrooms where the nation’s energy future is being designed. Most endearingly, in the empowered women who are now the driving force for change in their communities.
The Holguin Electric Company and its people are committed to preserving and expanding a legacy that is already a national asset.
By: Daimy Peña Guillén
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