Cuba seeks to boost the use of renewable energy sources, hand in hand with its programs for industrial re-conversion to reduce reliance on petroleum-based electrical plants. The government has set up an expert task force to evaluate current use of alternative energy sources, with the result to be disseminated in June.

State enterprises must include in their budget plans for 2004 the amount of resources earmarked for developing these more environmentally-friendly energy sources, which so far have mostly benefited smaller populations that are isolated from the country's electrical grid.

The alternatives most used in Cuba today are the burning of sugarcane pulp, which covers 30 percent of the island's electricity demand, hydroelectric generators and solar power.