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Only 48 hours have passed since the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant was able to synchronize with the National Electric System (SEN), and already this Sunday it has had to reduce its power due to new difficulties in the boiler.
The official journalist José Miguel Solís reported that the plant reached 250 MW on Saturday night, but on Sunday it had to drop to 120 MW.
From the headquarters, Jorge Gómez Chávez, director of the business unit of base production, explained that they are currently addressing a defect in the boiler (referred to as a red point) with limited load.
"The objective is to resolve the gas leak with the plant connected to the electrical system and then proceed to increase the power output to reach around 250 MW," he specified.
Currently, the plant is in the process of increasing its output, with 50 MW being contributed to the system, and the goal is to reach 220 MW before peak demand hours.
This occurs on a day when the electric service began to be affected at 6:36 am, and an impact of 1372 MW is forecasted for peak hours, according to the report from the Unión Eléctrica (UNE).
In addition to the limitation at Guiteras, another six blocks are out of service due to breakdowns or maintenance. Meanwhile, 56 generation plants are out of service due to a lack of fuel, affecting 350 MW.
The Guiteras synchronized with the SEN on Friday at 9:06 AM, after several days of repairs and testing, following its disconnection on Sunday, February 4.
The contradictory statements from authorities regarding the causes of the service outage and the status of the repairs have generated distrust and concern among the public.
Initially, the UNE reported that the Guiteras had gone out of service without an identified cause, but later changed its statement and indicated that the reason was "faults in the power supply from a nearby substation."
Meanwhile, the population continues to endure long power outages and hears recovery forecasts that only reinforce the perception of erratic and opaque management.
The facility in Matanzas, the largest in the country, has experienced numerous failures in recent months, reflecting the structural weaknesses of an obsolete electrical system.
Frequently asked questions about the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant and its impact on the Cuban electrical system
Why has the Antonio Guiteras Thermal Power Plant had to limit its output?
The Antonio Guiteras Thermal Power Plant has had to limit its output due to new difficulties with the boiler. The plant had reached 250 MW but had to reduce it to 120 MW as a temporary measure while a gas leak is being resolved, a recurring issue that affects its operation.
What impact does the departure of the CTE Antonio Guiteras have on Cuba's electricity supply?
The departure of the CTE Antonio Guiteras from the SEN significantly worsens the country's energy situation, leading to more blackouts. The thermoelectric plant is essential for mitigating blackouts, but its inability to operate continuously highlights the deficiencies in Cuba's energy infrastructure.
What have been the most common technical difficulties at the CTE Antonio Guiteras in recent months?
The CTE Antonio Guiteras has faced several technical difficulties, such as gas leaks, issues with the oil control system for the turbine valves, and severe fouling on the heat exchange surfaces. These problems have resulted in frequent and prolonged shutdowns of the plant. These incidents highlight the lack of proper maintenance and the obsolescence of its infrastructure.
What measures are being taken to improve the energy situation in Cuba?
The Cuban government has implemented a long-term maintenance strategy for thermoelectric plants to try to ensure electricity service. Additionally, new photovoltaic parks are being installed to increase energy availability. Despite these efforts, authorities acknowledge that blackouts will continue until 2025 due to the current limitations of the system.
What are the expectations for the future operation of the CTE Antonio Guiteras?
The expectations for the future operation of the CTE Antonio Guiteras are focused on achieving stable synchronization with the SEN and overcoming the current technical issues. However, the plant continues to operate at the limit of its capacities and faces significant challenges due to its outdated infrastructure and the lack of adequate resources for its maintenance.
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