Several communities and health and education institutions in Holguin are benefiting from the Strengthening Women’s Leadership and Participation in the Renewable Energy Sector in Cuba (Former) project. Which promotes the transformation of the country’s energy matrix.
Tania Hidalgo Gómez, head of the Renewable Energy group at the Holguin Electric Company. She told the Cuban News Agency that Former has benefited hundreds of families and entities with the donation of some 502 systems. Of which more than 330 are already installed, with capacities of one and two kilowatts (kW).
A result of collaboration between Cuba and Canada, the program promotes women’s empowerment and the transformation of communities through the use of solar energy. By building scientific and technological capacity and providing equipment.
The initiatives prioritize public health, education, vulnerable populations, and hard-to-reach areas. Among the beneficiaries are the Octavio de la Concepción y la Pedraja Pediatric Hospital. Which received 30 solar water heaters; the Juan Manuel Páez Polyclinic in Moa. As well as daycare centers, senior citizen centers, and maternity homes.
Hidalgo Gómez explained that the Dr. Antonio Núñez Jiménez University of Moa stands out for its contribution to the project. With the participation of electrical engineering professors and students in equipment assembly and research. In recognition of this collaboration, the university received a demonstration solar park to support its operation and academic training.
In the same municipality, the project also improved the water supply at the Guillermo Luis Fernández General Hospital. Through a grid-connected system and pumps. Provided electricity access to isolated communities like La Melba, in the Turquino Plan, with stand-alone photovoltaic systems.
The specialist emphasized that Former prioritizes improving the living conditions of women residing in vulnerable areas. Especially those with farms and productive projects. Providing them with higher-capacity technology to foster their economic autonomy and social leadership.
As part of the plan, specialized classrooms were also opened at the Luis de Feria Garayalde and José Antonio Boizán polytechnic schools. Equipped with air conditioning, furniture, measuring instruments, and practical tools.
Training was also a fundamental pillar, based on courses taught by Canadian experts in wind, photovoltaic, hydroelectric, and thermal energy. In which higher education professionals from the province participated, she added.
In Cuba, the shift in the energy matrix is a priority policy to which Former has contributed in the northeastern region. With initiatives in municipalities such as Holguin, Rafael Freyre, and Mayari.
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