The malfunction that caused the exit of the National Electric System (SEN) from the thermoelectric plant Antonio Guiteras, located in Matanzas, has already been repaired, but the plant will take several hours to generate electricity again.
The news was confirmed by the official Matanzas press, which specified that, having completed the repair of the malfunction, the process of starting up the machine will begin.
Román Pérez Castañeda, technical director of the Antonio Guiteras Thermal Power Plant (CTE), explained that it is a "comprehensive" process that can last several hours.
The largest power generation CTE in the country was taken offline this Friday from the SEN due to a failure in one of its regenerative air heaters after its alternating current motor malfunctioned.
This component is essential for the thermal efficiency of the energy generation process.
The engineer Jorge Gómez Sánchez, production director of the Guiteras, explained that the drive group became uncoupled from the coupling that transmits the rotational movement, which forced an immediate halt to operations. The malfunction occurred at a critical moment for the national electrical system, which was already experiencing high levels of deficit.
The Electric Union of Cuba (UNE) reported this Friday that, despite the failure that increased the generation deficit, they had the technical resources and qualified personnel to carry out the necessary repairs, and that the work began immediately.
Initially, they estimated that the unit would be back in service by early this morning.
Its exit and the delay in synchronization represent a severe blow to the SEN, which is already experiencing deficits exceeding 1,500 megawatts and faces daily blackouts in all provinces.
According to the official report published by the UNE, the day on Thursday ended with a maximum impact of 1,547 megawatts (MW) at 10:00 PM, right at the peak of demand.
During the early hours of this Friday, the blackouts continued relentlessly, and the projections for the rest of the day offer no relief.
Despite the planned startup of Unit 5 at the CTE Nuevitas with 70 MW, a availability of 2,020 MW is expected against a demand of 3,480 MW, which would imply a deficit of 1,460 MW.
If these conditions persist, the estimated impact will be 1,530 MW, a figure that reflects the energy collapse the island is experiencing.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant and the Electric System in Cuba
What was the cause of the recent breakdown at the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant?
The breakdown at the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant was caused by a failure in the regenerative air heater, specifically a break in the drive unit of the alternating current motor, which became detached from the coupling that conveys motion to the system. This component is essential for the thermal efficiency of the power generation process.
When is the Guiteras thermoelectric plant expected to resume normal operations?
The Electric Union of Cuba estimates that the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant could be reintegrated into the National Electroenergetic System (SEN) in the early morning hours, after completing the necessary repairs and beginning the process of starting and igniting the machine.
How does the exit of the Guiteras affect the Cuban electrical system?
The shutdown of the Guiteras thermoelectric plant represents a severe blow to the National Electric System (SEN), as it already suffers from deficits exceeding 1,500 megawatts and faces daily blackouts in all provinces. The plant is crucial for maintaining the fragile Cuban electric grid.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to improve the stability of the electrical system?
The Cuban government has promised to recover more than 500 MW in the next three years and achieve an energy matrix with 70% generation from national fuels and 24% from renewable sources by 2030. However, these goals still seem distant due to the current state of the electrical system.
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