The Antonio Guiteras Thermal Power Plant in Matanzas disconnected from the National Electric Power System this Sunday after successfully synchronizing in the morning.
Official journalist José Miguel Solís referenced engineer Rubén Campos Olmos on Facebook, who explained that the unit reached an initial power of 32 MW at 11:20 AM before stopping to address a technical issue related to the fuel preparation station.
The adjustment, which is expected to take around three hours, is part of the efforts to stabilize the plant's operation and ensure sustained performance.
According to Solís, the consulted specialists confirmed that, despite this setback, the fact that the unit reached 32 MW demonstrates the effectiveness of the work done on the boiler, which raises hopes that the final synchronization will be achieved without major complications.
Although the journalist made the publication after 5:00 PM, he explained that the information corresponded to data from 4:25 PM, stating, "and now we are publishing for obvious reasons."
Earlier this Sunday, Solís had informed on his Facebook profile that parameters were being escalated to rotate the turbine, a delicate operation that first requires stabilizing the pressure in the boiler at around 100 atmospheres, and then sending quality steam to the turbine to start it spinning until it reaches 3,600 revolutions per minute.
With the unit stable, he explained, an attempt would be made to synchronize with the National Electric System (SEN), a maneuver that requires precisely balancing energy delivery with consumption while maintaining the frequency at 60 cycles per second. "Not at all like a homemade generator!" he noted, as after synchronization, the process continues with the operation of self-sustaining using the delivered energy and gaining load in coordination with the National Load Dispatch.
Solís also highlighted the human effort behind these operations: exhausting night shifts, technicians spending over 48 hours at the plant, and offices turning into makeshift spaces for shaving, taking a shower, and recharging with coffee. All of this while the startup team and the BTG technicians (Boiler, Turbine, Generator) constantly move around the plant to monitor every detail of a process that requires absolute precision.
According to their statements, if no complications arose and the well-known "Law of Murphy" did not come into play, the unit was expected to be online after noon, at a moment described as "absolute silence that bursts into applause and very Cuban phrases," with the emblematic motto: "No one surrenders here, c...".
Optimistically, it was announced that CTE would resume operations this Saturday after a scheduled maintenance period of 96 hours that began last Tuesday.
The pro-government journalist Solís had reported on Facebook that the repair work would conclude around 7:00 PM on Saturday, after facing several obstacles.
The director of Guiteras, Campos Olmos, also assured this Thursday that efforts were being "intensified" to ensure that the plant, the largest energy generator in the country, could resume operations this Saturday.
The UNE announced last Tuesday the disconnection of the thermoelectric plant for planned maintenance that will last four days (96 hours), during which "urgent work will be carried out on the boiler."
At the beginning of the month, the largest and most important CTE in Cuba was facing serious operational difficulties, as a gas leak prevented it from reaching its full generation potential.
For that reason, the plant continued generating only 175 megawatts (MW), which is why it was decided to take a shutdown.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Antonio Guiteras Power Plant and Its Impact on the Cuban Electrical System
Why has the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant been disconnected again from the National Electric System?
The Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant has been disconnected from the National Electric System (SEN) due to a technical issue related to the fuel preparation station. This adjustment is part of the efforts to stabilize the plant and ensure its continued operation.
What impact does the departure of the CTE Antonio Guiteras have on Cuba's electrical supply?
The departure of the CTE Antonio Guiteras from the SEN significantly exacerbates the country's energy situation, leading to an increase in blackouts. The power plant is crucial for mitigating outages, but its inability to operate continuously highlights the shortcomings in Cuba's energy infrastructure.
What have been the most common technical difficulties faced by CTE Antonio Guiteras in recent months?
The CTE Antonio Guiteras has faced several technical difficulties, such as gas leaks, issues with the oil system for controlling the turbine valves, and severe fouling on the heat exchange surfaces. These problems have resulted in frequent and prolonged shutdowns of the plant. These incidents highlight the lack of proper maintenance and the obsolescence of its infrastructure.
What measures are being taken to improve the energy situation in Cuba?
The Cuban government has implemented a long-term maintenance strategy for thermal power plants in an effort to ensure electricity service. Additionally, new photovoltaic parks are being installed to increase energy availability. Despite these efforts, authorities acknowledge that blackouts will continue until 2025 due to the current limitations of the system.
What are the expectations for the future operation of the Antonio Guiteras Power Plant?
The expectations for the future operation of the CTE Antonio Guiteras are focused on achieving stable synchronization with the national electricity system and overcoming the current technical issues. However, the plant continues to operate at the edge of its capacity and faces significant challenges due to its outdated infrastructure and lack of adequate maintenance resources.
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