Under the banner of a coordinated national effort, the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM) leads a comprehensive presence at the Havana International Fair (FIHAV 2025), a space that transcends commerce to become a showcase of Cuba's commitment to advancing towards energy sovereignty.
Rosell Guerra Campaña, director of Renewable Energy at MINEM, outlined the objectives of this thematic pavilion and the country's roadmap. "At this fair, we have joined forces with several organizations, various business groups, and several small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in a thematic area, the central pavilion," Guerra explained, emphasizing that the energy transition "is not something that is going to start; it is something that is already developing."
The Director of Renewable Energy at MINEM described a space where all actors in the value chain converge. "One goal in this thematic area is to showcase the technologies we want to prioritize for changing the country's energy matrix. A second objective would be to communicate the main goals, the stages, and the targets of the energy transition," he stated.
He also highlighted the participation of the national industry, particularly in electronics, which will present innovations such as "a panel that captures solar radiation and produces electricity and hot water" and "public lighting fixtures with battery backup."
In addition, progress will be shown in the design of "charging stations for electric vehicles powered by renewable solar energy" and projects for the manufacturing of batteries and inverters in Cuba, which are vital equipment for the sector.
Regarding the Electric Union, it was noted that they will present alongside their main international suppliers, "mainly Chinese investors," but took the opportunity to thank the collaboration of other countries.
"We want to thank Vietnam, the government of Canada, the European Union, who have provided us with non-repayable financing for projects, especially social projects."
The MIPYMES (micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises), for their part, will showcase a wide range of products and services primarily for the residential sector and for ensuring electrical supply to industries.
An essential chapter is occupied by Cuban universities. The ENUFRE group, composed of 11 higher education institutions, will have its space to "present to investors the services that Cuban universities can provide" and a group of "innovations of national interest."
Guerra highlighted their practical work: "The universities have also been cooperating in local development by providing electrical services to isolated homes and installing solar pumps" for the agricultural sector.
One of the most significant moments of the fair will be the presentation of the financial structure designed to support this macroprocess. “The energy transition is an issue that requires a lot of funding. And if we don’t create a financial architecture, it won’t be realistic,” the director warned.
He announced that the Fund for the Promotion of the Energy Transition was “recently approved” and that the entire scheme will be presented in a keynote address. “For the first time, in a theater, with the participation of Cuban and foreign entrepreneurs, the scope and objectives will be outlined.” This event is scheduled for Wednesday, the 26th, at 10 a.m. at the ExpoCuba Theater.
Rosell Guerra reaffirmed the country’s strategic vision: “The country’s vision is that, in the long term, everything will be from renewable sources. Our main objective is the energy independence of the country. This path, he explained, is already showing results, as ongoing investments are achieving a reduction in the consumption of imported fuel.”
To conclude, Rosell Guerra issued a call for the future: “We will take this opportunity to announce the call for the Fourth International Renewable Energy Fair, which will take place in September of next year.”
With its participation in FIHAV, Cuba makes clear its determination to move towards a sovereign, sustainable, and efficient energy model, betting on the integration of all national capabilities and strategic international cooperation.
