Training in hybrid microgrids with renewable sources in Cuba

The pandemic has significantly affected our lives, a large part of the world’s economic activity has been drastically reduced and this has, of course, also affected development cooperation and projects such as the Cuba-EU Experience Exchange to Promote Renewable Energy Sources and Energy Efficiency in Cuba, which is funded by the European Union and implemented by FIIAPP. 

Faced with such a scenario, the actions have had to adapt quickly, turning new technologies into allies that facilitate the exchange of experiences remotely between public administration bodies without the need for travel. This is the case for the course prepared by the Centre for Energy, Environmental and Technological Research (CIEMAT) on the “Design of Hybrid Microgrids with Renewable Energy Sources for Isolated Rural Communities.” A traditional workshop has been converted into an online course through Moodle as a self-study mode that allows each participant to advance at their own pace through readings, discussion forums and practical exercises. 

The course, which will take place at the end of June and the beginning of July, aims to train key actors in the use, design and development of hybrid microgrids with renewable energy sources for their introduction into rural communities and other geographical contexts, with a view to supporting the local development of rural areas. This course will help attendees to implement the use of renewable energy and storage systems that can support energy consumption outside urban areas and improve the quality of life of people in these locations. Hybrid microgrids are electrical supply networks designed to supply power to small communities. 

The advantage offered by this type of training is the possibility of providing training and fostering the exchange of experiences between specialists who will then be able to pass on their knowledge to other beneficiaries in the country. 

The project will contribute to Cuba’s local development and the academic and scientific strengthening of its universities, research centres and companies charged with incorporating renewable energy into the island’s electricity generation.