Cuba and Energy Efficiency.
World Energy Efficiency Day reminds us that the intelligent use of energy depends not only on large projects, but also on the daily responsibility of institutions and citizens.
Every March 5th, World Energy Efficiency Day is celebrated, a date that invites us to reflect on the importance of using energy rationally and responsibly. In a global scenario marked by climate change and increased energy demand, efficiency becomes a key tool for optimizing resources, reducing consumption, and moving towards sustainable development.
More than producing more energy, the current challenge is to make better use of the energy that already exists. This implies incorporating more efficient technologies, promoting energy conservation in homes and institutions, and encouraging the use of renewable sources such as solar energy.
In Cuba, institutions such as the National Office for the Control of the Rational Use of Energy work to promote a culture of conservation and to conduct technical evaluations of projects related to renewable energy sources. At the same time, the National Electric Union is implementing several programs aimed at diversifying the country’s energy mix and guaranteeing essential services.
Among these initiatives, the program to install 5,000 two-kilowatt photovoltaic systems donated by the People’s Republic of China stands out. These systems are part of the efforts to address the current energy crisis and ensure the operation of vital centers.
Of this total, 2,671 systems were allocated to institutions in municipalities throughout the country, while the remainder will be installed in isolated homes, including some that have never had access to electricity.
Among the beneficiaries are maternity homes, nursing homes and senior citizen residences, polyclinics, funeral homes, bank branches, radio stations, Etecsa communications facilities, and the National Electric Union’s own commercial offices.
These actions are complemented by other renewable energy projects promoted by the National Electric Union. These include the charging station program for children dependent on electricity, which has 126 units, 114 of which have already been installed. These systems also utilize solar panels to ensure the charging of the batteries needed by these patients.
In this context, World Energy Efficiency Day serves as a reminder that the intelligent use of energy depends not only on large projects, but also on the daily responsibility of institutions and citizens.
Written by Yunielys Moliner Isasi.
