A coalition of six municipalities in Catalonia has pledged €20,000 to install solar panels in health centers within the municipality of Songo la Maya, located in the Santiago de Cuba province. This effort is spearheaded by the Fons Català de Cooperació al Desenvolupament and the Casal d'Amistat amb Cuba of Badalona.
The municipalities participating in this initiative include Manresa, Caldes de Montbui, Celrà, Mollet del Vallès, Sant Adrià de Besòs, and Vilafranca del Penedès.
These funds aim to equip the Songo la Maya Rural Hospital—the sole facility in the municipality offering emergency, laboratory, and dialysis services—along with nine family medical clinics and a maternal-infant care center, with solar power systems.
The Energy Crisis and Its Impact
The urgency of this project arises from an ongoing energy crisis in Cuba, where power outages have extended beyond twenty hours daily in numerous regions. In Songo la Maya, there have been instances of over 50 consecutive hours without electricity or water as of May 2026.
According to the campaign's organizers, the current situation severely impacts the preservation of vaccines, sterilization processes, fetal monitoring, and emergency medical equipment.
Cuba's Struggling Power Grid
Cuba's electrical grid has experienced at least seven complete failures over the past 18 months. In June, the state-run Unión Eléctrica reported a generation shortfall of approximately 2,045 MW during peak times, compared to a demand of 3,080 MW, with only 1,035 MW available.
The Cuban regime acknowledged at the end of 2025 that power outages would persist into 2026, labeling the year as "challenging" for its citizens.
International Support for Cuba's Energy and Health Sectors
This Catalan initiative is part of a broader framework of international cooperation aimed at addressing Cuba's energy and healthcare challenges. Spain dispatched 18 photovoltaic systems to Cuban health centers in April 2026, while Japan announced a $6.5 million project in May to benefit hospitals serving 2.6 million patients.
Additionally, in May 2026, the Generalitat of Catalunya approved a €440,000 humanitarian aid package for Cuba—the first in 15 years—distributed through the World Food Program and the Catalan Agency for Development Cooperation.
A Call for Broader Support
The collaboration between Catalan municipalities and Cuba via the Fons Català dates back to 2001. Between 2021 and 2025, this partnership mobilized over €105,000 from local administrations, organizations, and individuals.
The Fons Català has urged other Catalan municipalities, regional councils, and provincial governments to join the initiative, expanding resources to ensure the continuity of essential medical services amidst an unrelenting energy crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions about Catalonia's Aid to Cuba
Why are Catalan municipalities funding solar panels in Cuba?
Catalan municipalities are funding solar panels in Cuba to support healthcare facilities amid a severe energy crisis, ensuring essential services like emergency care and vaccine preservation can continue without interruption.
What impact does the energy crisis have on Cuban healthcare?
The energy crisis in Cuba affects healthcare by disrupting the preservation of vaccines, sterilization processes, and the operation of critical medical equipment, putting patient care at risk.
How has international cooperation addressed Cuba's energy issues?
International cooperation, including aid from Spain and Japan, has focused on providing solar power systems and financial support to bolster Cuba's healthcare and energy sectors.
What role does the Fons Català play in supporting Cuba?
The Fons Català coordinates efforts between Catalan municipalities and Cuba, facilitating resource mobilization and project implementation to address critical energy and healthcare needs.