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The units of the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes thermoelectric plant in Cienfuegos will not be repaired until April and June, following severe damage sustained last October.
It had been years since both blocks were out of service at the same time, something that the government attributes to the collapse of the National Electric System (SEN) on October 18, which left the entire country in the dark.
According to information reported by the newspaper Granma, the general director of the plant, José Osvaldo González Rodríguez, stated that work is still ongoing on the turbine of block 3, "a very complex task" that "takes time," and is expected to conclude by mid-February.
Finally, its synchronization with the SEN is scheduled for the first half of April, with a nominal power of 158 MW.
Regarding unit 4, the executive revealed that it is undergoing expanded partial maintenance focused on its boiler, which "had already experienced some level of misalignment in the superheater elements," causing failures in the pipes.
"The magnitude of the work is immense," emphasized González Rodríguez, who specified that the start is planned for the first half of June, also with 158 MW.
In mid-December, the Cienfuegos thermoelectric plant was fully disconnected from the national electric power system (SEN) for intensive maintenance.
At that moment, it was announced that unit 4 was facing a major intervention, with the replacement of critical parts in key components such as the economizer, the heat exchangers, and the turbine. Unit 3 had already been out of service since October, when the total system failure caused a significant malfunction in its turbine.
At the beginning of November, the Electric Union reported that the issue with block 4 had been resolved, without specifying its nature, causes, or the repairs that needed to be carried out.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cienfuegos Thermoelectric Plant and the Energy Crisis in Cuba
When is the Cienfuegos thermoelectric plant expected to be operational again?
The synchronization of block 3 with the National Electric System is scheduled for the first half of April, while block 4 is expected to be operational in the first half of June. Both blocks will contribute 158 MW each to the system.
What is the current situation of the National Electric System (SEN) in Cuba?
The SEN is in a critical situation due to the disconnection of several thermoelectric units, including the one in Cienfuegos. Blackouts are frequent and lengthy, with a generation deficit exceeding 1,400 MW during peak hours.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to improve electricity generation?
The Cuban government is making a "great financial effort" to import fuels and purchase necessary parts for the repairs of thermal power plants. In addition, new photovoltaic parks are being installed. However, there are no short-term solutions for the collapse of the National Electric System, and blackouts will continue until 2025.
How does the situation of the Cienfuegos thermoelectric plant affect the Cuban population?
The disconnection of the Cienfuegos thermoelectric plant exacerbates the power generation deficit, resulting in an increase in blackouts throughout the country. This impacts the quality of life for Cubans, limiting access to basic services such as electricity, water, and healthcare.
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