The number 3 unit of the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes thermoelectric plant, in Cienfuegos, remains out of service following a malfunction recorded on Wednesday, just weeks after being synchronized with the national grid.
According to José Osvaldo González, the director of the CTE, who spoke to Canal Caribe, the plant has been offline from the National Electric System (SEN) again since its synchronization on May 1, due to a malfunction that halts the operation of the unit which is primarily responsible for frequency regulation in both regions of Cuba.
He clarifies that the initial failure "was due to a differential pressure transmitter that generates the airflow for the boiler, but during the startup process, we experienced a failure in an electric motor that ensures lubrication in emergency situations for the turbine."
This engine was brought to Havana for repairs, and maintenance work is expected to be completed by the weekend, González noted.
The official journalist José Miguel Solís stated on Wednesday that the unit experienced an automatic failure that forced its disconnection from the SEN.
The intensification of blackouts on the island has led to increasing social discontent, with sporadic protests in some areas and strong criticism on social media over the unequal distribution of electrical service.
Many Cubans report that while certain areas enjoy almost uninterrupted supply, others face power cuts of up to 10 hours a day or more.
For this Saturday, an impact estimated to exceed 1,600 MW is expected, which will lead to widespread service outages across the entire country. This is in addition to the fact that power outages continued uninterrupted throughout the early morning.
The Carlos Manuel de Céspedes thermoelectric plant has been crucial within the fragile Cuban electrical system, but in recent years it has faced repeated outages due to technical issues, lack of maintenance, and shortages of replacement parts, worsened by the economic crisis the country is experiencing.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba and the Cienfuegos Thermoelectric Plant
Why is the Cienfuegos thermoelectric plant out of service?
The Cienfuegos thermoelectric plant is out of service due to a failure in the electric motor that ensures the lubrication of the turbine, which has forced its disconnection from the National Electric System (SEN). This situation adds to a series of technical failures that the plant has experienced in recent months, reflecting the critical state of the Cuban electric system.
What impact do the failures of the Cienfuegos thermoelectric plant have on Cuba's electricity supply?
The failures at the Cienfuegos thermoelectric plant have intensified power outages in Cuba, with electricity cuts affecting various regions of the country for up to 10 hours a day or more. This situation has led to increasing social unrest, with protests and strong criticisms aimed at the Cuban government's management of energy issues.
What are the main causes of the energy crisis in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba is due to constant breakdowns in the thermoelectric plants, lack of maintenance, and shortage of spare parts, worsened by the economic crisis the country is facing. Additionally, the lack of fuel and poor management of the energy sector have contributed to the collapse of the National Electric System (SEN).
How is the energy crisis affecting the Cuban population?
The energy crisis is severely impacting the daily lives of Cubans, who are facing prolonged blackouts that disrupt essential services such as water supply, gas, and communications. This situation has created an atmosphere of social discontent and inequality in the distribution of electrical service.
Filed under:
