During the Ministerial Dialogue, Cuba’s First Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines, Argelio Jesus Abad, called for the creation of collective, sustainable solutions for Latin America and the Caribbean through alliances that enable the region to advance as a bloc in electrical interconnections and shared infrastructure.

The official described the United States’ economic and energy blockade against the island as a form of collective punishment, while outlining Cuba’s efforts to expand the use of renewable energy sources—particularly solar photovoltaics—with the goal of reaching 1,500 megawatts of generation capacity using this technology by the end of 2026.

Cuba’s participation was also highlighted by the 2026 Energy Excellence Award granted to the University of Havana’s Photovoltaics Laboratory in the Education category, for the proposal titled “Photovoltaics Laboratory: An Innovation Space Supporting Cuba’s Energy Transition.”

The laboratory’s director, Lidice Vaillant, accepted the award from the Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organization (OLADE), stating that they receive it with pride but remain fully aware of the severe energy crisis facing their country and the significant challenges this situation poses for the institution.

Among the award recipients was the Dominican project “Esperanza Renovable” (Renewable Hope), from the Haina Electricity Generation Company (EGE Haina), which was honored in the Renewable Energy category under the large private entities subcategory.

Initiatives from Brazil aimed at improving gas distribution efficiency were also recognized. …from Honduras, for a data-driven energy management model, and from Uruguay, for the incorporation of electric buses into Montevideo’s public transport system, among others, we’re awarded too.

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