Related videos:
The Cuban Electric Union (UNE) announced that the Turkish floating power plant Cankuthan Bey, which arrived in Havana Bay on December 8, is not part of its contract with the Turkish company Karpowership and that it will "leave Cuba" once the commissioning of its units is completed.
"The kps56 barge (Cankuthan Bey) arrived in Havana on Sunday, December 8, to carry out startup operations for its units, and once completed, it will leave Cuba. This floating power plant is not part of the contract between UNE and the Turkish company Karen Dis Ticaret," stated UNE on its social media.
The official statement appeared to be aimed at dispelling previous reports that connected its arrival to the urgent need to alleviate the severe energy crisis facing the island, which this Saturday is expected to experience yet another day of widespread and significant blackouts, projected to reach nearly 1,200 MW.
The Cankuthan Bey, with a generation capacity of 80 MW, temporarily joined the other five operational floating power plants in Cuba. Its arrival was initially explained on social media as an attempt to mitigate the ongoing blackouts affecting the country, where the daily energy deficit exceeds 1,500 MW.
However, the clarification from UNE has raised more questions than answers, particularly regarding the terms of the negotiation with Karpowership.
A history of energy dependencies and secrecy
Since 2019, Cuba has received eight Turkish floating power plants, of which six are currently operational: three in Havana (Belgin Sultan, Suheyla Sultan, and Erol Bay), one in Mariel (Ela Sultan), another in Santiago de Cuba (Erin Sultan), and for now, the Cankuthan Bey.
However, the Cuban regime has maintained complete secrecy regarding the costs and terms of these contracts, despite their financial implications.
As a point of reference, in Ecuador a floating plant of 100 MW cost over 114 million dollars for 18 months of operation, while in the Dominican Republic, two barges of 180 MW incurred an expense of 40 million over 42 months.
These circumstances suggest multibillion-dollar costs that Cuba would hardly be able to bear without external financial support or through opaque agreements signed with Turkish authorities, the terms of which remain unknown to a civil society that is effectively powerless to demand accountability from its leaders.
Controversies and operational risks
The operation of these floating plants has not been without incidents. On September 26, a fire on the barge Belgin Sultan left eight people injured, two of whom were Turkish technicians who unfortunately lost their lives. Despite these issues, the regime continues to rely on this temporary and costly solution to alleviate its energy crisis.
The arrival of Cankuthan Bey raises many unanswered questions, particularly regarding the transparency of the agreements with Karpowership and the long-term financial impact on Cuba, a country in the midst of a deep economic crisis and with an energy system on the brink of collapse.
The arrival of the Turkish floating power plant Cankuthan Bey in the Bay of Havana has sparked various speculations about its purpose and duration in Cuba.
Since 2019, Karpowership has supplied floating power plants to Cuba, reaching a total of eight units at different times. Currently, six remain operational: three in Havana (Belgin Sultan, Suheyla Sultan, and Erol Bay), one in Mariel (Ela Sultan), and another in Santiago de Cuba (Erin Sultan).
The Electric Union (UNE) clarified that this unit is not part of the current contract with the Turkish company Karpowership and that, after completing the commissioning of its units, it will leave the country.
The energy crisis in Cuba has worsened in recent years due to a lack of investment and maintenance in the thermoelectric plants, many of which have been in operation for over four decades. The reliance on fossil fuels, particularly Cuban heavy crude oil, has contributed to the deterioration of the national electricity system.
The arrival of the Cankuthan Bey occurs within a context of frequent blackouts and social discontent. Although its presence may provide temporary relief, a long-term solution requires significant investments and structural changes in Cuba's energy sector.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis and Floating Power Plants in Cuba
Why didn't the floating central Cankuthan Bey sign a contract with UNE?
The floating power plant Cankuthan Bey did not sign a contract with UNE because its arrival in Cuba was for the purpose of commissioning its units, and it is not part of the existing agreements with the Turkish company Karpowership. The floating plant will leave Cuba once these tasks are completed, according to a statement from the Cuban Electric Union.
What is the current situation of the Turkish floating power plants in Cuba?
Currently, six Turkish floating power plants are operating in Cuba, located in Havana, Mariel, and Santiago de Cuba. These plants are crucial for mitigating the energy crisis but face challenges such as fuel shortages and operational risks, including the recent fire on the barge Belgin Sultan.
What impact does the lack of transparency in contracts for floating power plants have in Cuba?
The lack of transparency in the contracts for floating power plants creates uncertainty about the actual costs and financial implications for Cuba. This opacity prevents civil society from demanding accountability in a context where the country is facing a deep economic crisis and a fragile energy system.
What are the main causes of power outages in Cuba?
Blackouts in Cuba are caused by a significant deficit in electricity generation capacity. This deficit results from failures in thermoelectric power plants, a lack of fuel for distributed generation, and maintenance issues within the national electrical system.
What measures has the Cuban government taken in response to the energy crisis?
The measures taken by the Cuban government have been insufficient to address the energy crisis. Although there have been partial additions of thermal units, effective long-term solutions have not been implemented, leading to frustration and protests among the population.
Archived in: