Cuba is currently grappling with a significant energy crisis that has led the government to explore alternative sources of energy, including charcoal and solar panels. The crisis, driven by factors such as aging infrastructure and lack of foreign investment, has resulted in frequent blackouts and a decline in energy reliability for the Cuban population. The shift towards renewable energy is seen as a vital step not only to mitigate these ongoing shortages but also to promote sustainability in the face of climate change.

The use of charcoal, a traditional energy source, is being revived as a coping mechanism for households and businesses to handle the energy deficit. Meanwhile, the government is also actively encouraging investment in solar energy projects to harness the abundant sunlight the island receives. These initiatives are part of a larger strategy to diversify energy sources and reduce dependency on fossil fuels, aligning with global trends towards greener energy solutions.

While the initiatives offer a glimpse of hope, challenges remain significant. The transition towards solar energy requires substantial capital investment and technical expertise, which Cuba struggles to secure due to its economic conditions. Additionally, there are concerns about environmental impacts and sustainability of using charcoal, prompting a need for careful planning and implementation of these strategies to ensure they do not exacerbate existing issues within the country's energy landscape.