The Turkish floating power plant Cankuthan Bey arrived this Sunday in the Bay of Havana with the aim of alleviating the ongoing blackouts that have been affecting Cuba amid a severe energy crisis.
This unit, with a generation capacity of 80 MW, adds to the five already operational in the country; however, its contribution will not be enough to reverse the national energy deficit, which exceeds 1,500 MW daily, as noted by the site 14yMedio.
Originating from Panama, the Cankuthan Bey is owned by the Turkish company Karpowership and was added to its fleet in October, according to the VesselFinder website. Measuring 85 meters in length and 40 meters in width, it is named after the engineer responsible for its design, Cankuthan Kurak, in keeping with the company's tradition.
Although the Electric Union (UNE) has not issued official statements regarding this arrival, it is known that the plant was rented under terms whose costs remain unknown.
Since 2019, Karpowership has delivered eight floating power plants to Cuba, although currently only six remain: three in Havana (Belgin Sultan, Suheyla Sultan, and Erol Bay), one in Mariel (Ela Sultan), another in Santiago de Cuba (Erin Sultan), and now the newly arrived Cankuthan Bey.
The mentioned outlet also recalled that during the past month of October, the official journalist Luis Carlos Céspedes revealed that the island’s regime had contracted a new Turkish floating power plant, classified as one of the most modern.
However, amidst the usual secrecy that prevails, the UNE denied the information days later, although—given the circumstances—the arrival of Cankuthan Bey confirms that a negotiation did indeed take place.
The cost of these barges remains a mystery, but experiences in other countries provide some insights. In Ecuador, a floating plant with a capacity of 100 MW incurred expenses of over 114 million dollars in 18 months, while in the Dominican Republic, two barges with a capacity of 180 MW cost 40 million dollars for 42 months of operation.
On September 26, a fire broke out on the floating power plant Belgin Sultan. The incident left at least eight people injured, two of whom—both Turkish—did not survive.
Despite these issues, floating power plants have become a crucial component in alleviating the energy crisis in Cuba, though not without significant costs and controversies.
The new floating power plant from Karpowership: Cankuthan Bey
The Cankuthan Bey, a floating platform weighing 5,200 deadweight tons, was converted from the seismic research vessel Ramform Viking, as reported by the page Mavivatannet on Instagram.
The company Karpowership uses these floating power plants to generate electricity and supply energy to coastal regions in need. Their arrival undoubtedly
It is a new attempt to stabilize the island's electrical grid, but it remains to be seen whether it will be sufficient to meet the growing energy demand.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis and Floating Power Plants in Cuba
What is the Cankuthan Bey floating power plant and what is its capacity?
The Cankuthan Bey is a Turkish floating power plant with a generation capacity of 80 MW. It arrived in Havana Bay to help alleviate the constant blackouts in Cuba, although its contribution is insufficient to cover the country's energy deficit, which exceeds 1,500 MW daily.
What is the cost of renting floating power plants in Cuba?
The cost of renting floating power plants in Cuba remains a mystery, but experiences in other countries may provide some clues. In Ecuador, a 100 MW floating plant cost over 114 million dollars over 18 months, while in the Dominican Republic, two 180 MW barges cost 40 million for 42 months of operation.
What is the current situation of floating power plants in Cuba?
Currently, there are six operational Turkish floating power plants in Cuba, located in Havana, Mariel, and Santiago de Cuba. The lack of fuel has impacted several of these plants, decreasing their generation capacity and exacerbating the energy crisis in the country.
What incidents have occurred recently at Cuba's floating power plants?
Recently, a fire broke out on the floating power plant Belgin Sultan, leaving at least eight people injured, including two fatalities. The incident did not impact electricity generation, but it underscores the risks associated with such facilities. Furthermore, the lack of fuel has rendered some floating power plants non-operational.
How do power outages impact the daily lives of Cubans?
Power outages in Cuba are frequent and prolonged, impacting the entire population. The electrical generation deficit exceeds 1,000 MW daily, leading to interruptions in electricity supply and affecting daily life, from the availability of basic services to economic activity.
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