2006 was "The Year of the Energy Revolution" in Cuba. Government Ministries and NGOs like the award-winning Cuba Solar developed a nationwide plan focused on energy efficiency and independence. The entire electrical system was upgraded, efficient appliances were distributed among the citizenry, and cadres of young social workers went from house to house in every community teaching energy efficient methods of home maintenance. Cuba became the first country in the world to completely phase out incandescent light bulbs.

During 2006 - 2007 Cuba saved close to one million tons of imported oil through these measures, and reduced their CO2 emissions by 5 million tons.

It was exactly ten years earlier, in 1996 that Global Exchange and Solar Energy International made our first research tour to Cuba to learn about their renewable energy plans. Since then Cuba Solar has installed thousands of solar panels on rural schools and family doctor clinics, and maximized their use of the regions in Cuba where wind, water, biomass and biogas resources for energy production are available.

Program Highlights:

* City Tour of Havana and Old Havana with focus on projects in sustainable development
* Site Visits to urban and rural renewable energy installations and energy efficiency projects
* Meetings with engineers from CUBAENERGIA and CUBA SOLAR
* Visit to PAEME, Cuba's vocational-technical high school for renewable energy training
* Overnight visit to rural province
* Small group meetings according to interest
* Cultural activities