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In yet another attempt, the Cuban government seeks to alleviate its ongoing energy crisis by repairing 38 diesel generators, thanks to the first shipment of spare parts from China.
According to Arles Luna Leiva, director of distributed generation at the Unión Eléctrica (UNE), these units are expected to be operational between January and February, contributing a total capacity of 53.8 megawatts to the national electric system.
The information published on the official site Cubadebate indicates that the initial shipment, received at the end of December, includes engines, radiators, and parts needed to get the damaged generators up and running.
These components are being distributed to all provinces of the country, except for Ciego de Ávila, Artemisa, and Mayabeque, which will be addressed in later shipments due to needing different parts than those included in this initial delivery.
This spare parts and equipment project is part of an agreement between the Cuban government and the People's Republic of China, aimed at recovering 400 megawatts of distributed generation. Hua Xin, the Chinese ambassador in Havana, stated that assistance will continue to arrive through charter flights, commercial flights, and maritime transport.
However, the distributed generation that consumes diesel faces serious structural problems. Currently, its availability is only 36%, affected by a lack of maintenance due to unstable lines of credit and the overuse of equipment. Designed to operate a maximum of four hours per day, many of these generators have been running 24 hours a day to compensate for shortages in other generation modalities.
Although the recovery of the generators may provide temporary relief, specialists question whether this measure is merely a stopgap in a system that requires comprehensive and sustainable solutions to address a chronic energy crisis.
Cuban government reveals proposal to reduce blackouts in 2025
In December, amid growing public discontent that threatens stability in the country, the Cuban regime announced on Friday "its plan" to reduce blackouts and improve the functionality of the National Electric System (SEN) in 2025, through the incorporation of new technologies and the promotion of renewable energy projects.
At a press conference, the authorities announced that for this year they expect to add 1,200 MW to the National Electric System, most of which will come from photovoltaic parks that will harness solar radiation.
Blackouts persist
After several days of a decreased deficit in electricity generation capacity in Cuba, the country returns this Tuesday to its sad and overwhelming "normality" of blackouts.
In this way, power cuts are expected to affect over 1,100 MW, which confirms that the crisis is far from being resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba and the Repair of Generators
What is the objective of the generator repair project in Cuba?
The objective of the project is to recover 400 megawatts of distributed generation by repairing 38 generating units with spare parts sourced from China, which will help temporarily alleviate the energy crisis in the country.
What problems does distributed generation face in Cuba?
Distributed generation in Cuba faces serious structural problems, including a current availability of 36%, due to a lack of maintenance and the overexploitation of equipment, which is operating more hours than recommended.
What impact does the lack of fuels have on the energy crisis in Cuba?
The lack of fuel has rendered numerous distributed generation plants inoperable, contributing to the generation deficit and the widespread blackouts that continuously affect the Cuban population.
What is the critical stance on the Cuban government's measures to address the energy crisis?
The main criticism of the Cuban government's measures is that they are seen as temporary fixes rather than comprehensive and sustainable solutions to address the country's chronic energy crisis, which breeds skepticism among the population.
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