State and private MSMEs, non-agricultural cooperatives and local development projects that promote solutions for renewable energythrough initiatives linked to the energy transitioncan apply for financing promoted by the European Union (EU) in Cuba.
The initiative “Support for new economic actors for economic, innovative and sustainable diversification (NAE)” is implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), French Cooperation in Cuba, the Ministry of Economy and Planning and its National Institute of Economic Research.
The initiative was announced on Thursday, within the framework of the XLI International Fair of Havana and will allow companies with more than a year of work to present proposals for financing up to $40,000. The funds will be used for the acquisition of equipment and material resources.
According to Granma, Joaquín Alonso Vázquez, Minister of Economy and Planning, specified that these projects are “completely consistent” with the national, but also local, development strategy.
For his part, Raphaël Trannoy, French ambassador to the Island, highlighted that, on this basis, this project represents an concrete opportunity to promote clean and efficient energy solutions.
An empty space for different reasons
The Cuban official highlighted that this fund “will allow us to strengthen a space that, unfortunately due to the country’s limitations, derived from the economic crisis and the effects of the blockade, cannot be covered due to the lack of financing and access to technologies.”
He also added that, in terms of renewable energy, Cuba has advanced rapidly in a short time, “next year it is expected to reach 19% generation with renewable energy sources.”
The call, underlines Granmapromotes the contribution of initiatives to the National Energy Transition Strategy in the following scope axes: sustainable electrical matrix that guarantees the sufficiency and sovereignty of the electrical supply; industrial and service sector, energy efficient and sustainable; and agroindustrial and food production sector, energy-sustainable and efficient.
Until January 9
The new call for the NAE project joins the previous ones linked to the agri-food sector, which seek to promote the contribution of new economic actors linked to strategic sectors, and favor the development of territories through the generation of employment, the inclusion of women and young people and the strengthening of the productive fabric at the local level.
Those interested in applying to this call may do so through the online application questionnaire, in which they must attach the requested documentation. Proposals may be submitted between December 11 and January 9and the selection process will last a maximum of four months, according to the source.
