The Cuban Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, publicly acknowledged that the National Electric System (SEN) is in a state of extreme weakness, to the point that -in his own words- without the contribution of the photovoltaic solar parks, the crisis would be even more severe.
The statement, made on television following the latest fifth massive blackout, once again highlights the precariousness of the system and the government's inability to provide sustainable solutions to an exhausted population.
De la O Levy detailed that there are currently 30 solar parks operating, generating about 600 megawatts, although with the limitation that they only produce during the day, as the country lacks energy storage systems.
"It's true that he only works during the day, but if we didn't have those 600 MW, the situation would be worse," he acknowledged.
He also acknowledged that the lack of batteries has caused more than 500 interruptions so far in 2024.
The minister's words came after the country had been left in the dark for more than 24 hours due to the fall of the SEN, an episode that again highlighted the collapse of a system reliant on outdated thermal power plants and almost total dependence on imported fuel.
While De la O spoke about "energy transition" and plans to intervene in five thermoelectric plants this year, the country's main plant, the Antonio Guiteras, was out of the system again just hours after synchronizing, plunging thousands of Cubans into uncertainty.
Five nationwide blackouts in less than a year
The last collapse of the SEN, which left the country without power for 28 hours, occurred at 9:14 AM on Wednesday, when the Guiteras unexpectedly went out of service.
It was the fifth general blackout in less than a year. Of the previous four, two were also related to failures at that power plant.
On Thursday, when the Electric Union reported that all provinces had been reconnected, many users continued to report ongoing outages, confirming that the recovery was partial and fragile.
The recurrence of these widespread blackouts highlights the fragility of a national electricity system that should guarantee an essential service, but is currently sustained by quick fixes and excuses.
Structural and systemic crisis
The day before the collapse, the Electric Union justified the prolonged outages that were already occurring throughout the country by pointing out that many power plantshave been in operation for over 40 years without receiving the necessary capital maintenance cycles.
According to the general director of the UNE, engineer Alfredo López Valdés, the extreme aging of the units has seriously complicated technical interventions, leading to delays and unexpected failures.
"It is very difficult to accurately predict the time it will take to repair, because when you start disassembling, you begin to encounter problems that you did not originally foresee," he stated.
"We are not carrying out the necessary capital maintenance as we should. We have not had the financial capability to address 100 percent of the issues," he added.
The justifications from the UNE arrive amid an unprecedented energy crisis that the government itself has described as "hard".
The authorities also confirmed that the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, the most powerful in the country, will have to shut down soon for maintenance.
For his part, engineer Lázaro Guerra Hernández, general director of Electricity at the Ministry of Energy and Mines, highlighted the progress in the solar investment macroprogram, with an announced investment of one billion dollars in 2025.
The Cuban government insists on discussing "energy sovereignty" while the country is experiencing the worst electricity supply crisis in its recent history.
The speech, however, contrasts with the reality experienced by the population.
Citizens are suffering the consequences of prolonged blackouts, with spoiled food, hospitals in crisis, and an increasingly bleak future.
Beyond figures and promises, the minister's statements only confirm what the people endure daily: a crumbling electrical system, a government recognizing its failure, and a crisis that drags on without any real and effective solution in sight.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the current situation of the electrical system in Cuba?
The electrical system in Cuba is in a state of extreme weakness, characterized by frequent collapses and an almost total dependence on outdated thermal power plants. The statements from the Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, highlight this precarious situation and the government's inability to provide sustainable solutions.
How are solar parks contributing to electricity generation in Cuba?
Currently, there are 30 solar parks operating in Cuba that generate about 600 megawatts, but they only produce electricity during the day due to the lack of storage systems. This contribution is limited and does not solve the blackout issues affecting the country.
What has caused the recent blackouts in Cuba?
The recent blackouts in Cuba have been primarily caused by the unexpected shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric power plant, failures in substations and transmission lines, and a lack of fuel. These factors have led to the collapse of the National Electric System on several occasions.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has announced the installation of new solar parks and has discussed a transition towards renewable energies. However, these measures are insufficient due to the lack of batteries for storing the generated electricity and the reliance on obsolete thermoelectric power plants.
What is the impact of the energy crisis on the daily lives of Cubans?
The energy crisis has severely impacted the daily lives of Cubans, causing prolonged blackouts, food loss, damage to appliances, and a digital disconnect. These issues affect both the national economy and the well-being of the population.
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