The new Chinese renewable energy store, small, only in dollars and cash

Havana/“And this was what they gave so much hype about?” The few customers who visited this Monday the new store in Havana of the Chinese firm Hainergy, a renewable energy products company, left disappointed. As if it were a strategic center, the business, located on Avenida 19, in the municipality of Playa, was inaugurated this weekend with the presence of various authoritiesamong them, the Chinese ambassador to Cuba, Hua Xin, and the vice prime minister himself, Oscar Pérez-Olivahead of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment.

However, the space and prices left a lot to be desired. “It’s too small,” said another woman, who was looking for a generator, adding: “The prices are not completely crazy, but on the street you can find them cheaper, with warranty included and transportation, and in pesos.” The cheapest generator at Hainergy costs $899 – most were over $2,000 – and the solar kits, in high demand, were around $40, although for Christmas, they were on sale for $29.

The US currency is the only one that can be paid with, and only in cash. “Nothing Classic,” stated one employee, referring to the prepaid card established by Cimex – part of the Gaesa military conglomerate – to make purchases in dollars. It is the only indication that suggests that it is a private store, although neither the official press nor workers make it clear.

If you are an individual, the business was a few days ahead of the entry into force, this Wednesday, of the government authorization to operate with dollars for individuals, in limited cases. The new establishment, the employee simply said, is “half Chinese, half Cuban.”

As for the assortment, it was quite scarce. “These are the first days, there are still many things missing,” the same clerk excused himself.

What is clear is that reading the official press, the store seems something of greater importance. “With this step, Cuba advances in its strategy to promote electricity generation from renewable energies,” he pompously said. Cubadebate. Likewise, the note indicated that Hainergy is “a branch specialized in energy and new technologies of the Chinese giant Haier Group, a leading multinational in home appliances and consumer electronics, known for its smart home solutions and its rapid global expansion under brands such as Haier, GE Appliances, Fisher & Paykel, etc., being an important player in innovation and international trade, including the offer of renewable energy solutions.”

Last year, China signed an ambitious plan with Cuba to build a total of 92 solar parks until 2028 to alleviate the systemic energy crisis suffered by the country. There are 33 of them already installed, despite the fact that the objective before the end of 2025 was to have 55 operational.

What the ruling party has not talked about at any time is that the Asian giant has overproduction of solar panelswhich is what may be allowing donations to Cuba and other friendly nations.