The "Energy for Life" campaign, launched in 2025 to support the Cuban electrical system, is making significant progress in Italy. The initiative addresses challenges caused by the U.S. embargo and exacerbated by the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, according to reports released today.

As a result of this effort—driven since last September by Italian solidarity, cultural, and labor organizations—over 300,000 euros have been raised for various projects on the island. This information was highlighted in a statement published on the digital site of the newspaper Collettiva.

According to the news outlet, which serves as the official organ of the Italian General Confederation of Labour (CGIL), the results are viewed as highly positive just days before the project’s scheduled conclusion on April 30. In addition to the CGIL, Italy’s largest trade union, the campaign is supported by the National Association of Italy-Cuba Friendship (ANAIC), the ARCI Cultural Promoter, the Nexus international solidarity program, and the National Association of Italian Partisans (ANPI).

The text notes that this effort began in September 2025, shortly after Hurricane Melissa struck several eastern provinces in Cuba. It aims to alleviate problems in the electro-energy system, which is also affected by an escalation of the U.S. blockade that has caused "grave suffering to the people of that country" for over 60 years.

The project gained even greater significance following the executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump on January 29, aimed at blocking fuel shipments to the nation.

The funds raised will be used to strengthen the island's power grid through the installation of photovoltaic systems in areas selected in collaboration with Cuba’s Ministry of Energy and Mines. These systems will guarantee electricity for health, food, education, and cultural facilities. Three priority intervention areas have been identified to receive solar panels, inverters, and storage batteries.

One project involves a dairy center in Palma Soriano, Santiago de Cuba, to ensure the supply of milk to more than 120,000 people. The initiative will secure the refrigeration and pasteurization of milk destined primarily for daycares, schools, and nursing homes.

A second area focuses on urban agriculture in Santiago de Cuba. The "La República" organoponic farm—one of the country's largest urban agricultural centers—will receive 42 solar panels, enabling constant irrigation for 100% of its production areas.

Finally, community centers are being established in four cultural houses (Casas de la Cultura) within the eastern provinces of Granma, Holguín, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo. Organizers are currently evaluating further solidarity actions to support the Cuban people, using this experience to launch new campaigns of this type in Italy.