Amidst the US government’s blockade aimed at preventing fuel shipments to the island—which has caused instability in the National Electric System (SEN)—this investment in the western province of Pinar del Rio will provide 400 kilowatts of capacity and generate 2.3 megawatts of power daily.

*Granma* newspaper reported that the project, currently 80 percent complete, will ensure the continued operation of part of the facility—preventing production stoppages—while also allowing energy to be fed into the national grid.

Yordan Nogueira Tapia, Epicol’s general director, stated that work is also underway on an energy storage project, which will enable the facility to operate more efficiently.

Solar systems with a 6.0-kilowatt capacity have been installed at offshore lobster collection centers—handling the company’s main export product—to improve the quality of life for workers and crews while they are in the fishing zones.

Fishing vessels have also been equipped with solar-powered energy kits to ensure food can be cooked, given the difficulties in accessing liquefied gas.

La Coloma generates approximately $30 million in annual export revenue, making it one of the most significant entities in Pinar del Rio province.

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