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The Cuban regime announced that this Thursday it will attempt to bring Unit 1 of the Lidio Ramón Pérez thermoelectric plant (Felton) in Holguín province online, following what they describe as "successful" repairs to the plant's generator.
The general director of thermal generation of Unión Eléctrica, engineer Edier Guzmán Pacheco, confirmed that the tests to certify the repair of the cooling system of the generator were successful, reported on Facebook by official journalist José Miguel Solís.
The official emphasized that this "successful" repair will allow for the initiation of the complex process of starting up and synchronizing with the National Electro-Energy System (SEN) in the coming hours.
Shortly after the journalist published his triumphant note, he not only deleted the original post but also shared another "clarifying" text.
"Clarification regarding information about Felton. In light of the request from the sources and in order to avoid fostering false expectations, as has been considered, we have withdrawn the information. Nevertheless, we wish you success and that everything syncs without major difficulties," emphasized Solís in his new post shared on Facebook.
This new "clarification," apparently respecting the wishes of the sources and in order to "avoid fostering false expectations," suggests that Felton will not synchronize this Thursday, as Solís had initially announced.
The outages in Felton have been one of the main causes of the prolonged blackouts affecting the country, especially in the central and eastern regions.
Despite the official optimism, Cubans have several reasons to distrust the "successful" repairs, as generating units frequently go offline due to "unforeseen causes."
In January, the thermoelectric plant was disconnected from the National Electric System for maintenance that would last 10 days.
The work would include cleaning air heaters in the boiler and condenser, as well as inspecting two bearing housings in the turbine, a measure that has worsened the energy crisis marked by several generating units being out of service.
However, on February 12, the Electric Union (UNE) announced that unit 1 of the Thermal Power Plant, which had gone out of service the day before due to a malfunction, would not be able to return to the National Electric System (SEN) for at least another 20 days.
The UNE detailed that Felton 1, located in Mayarí, Holguín province, went offline due to a failure in the generator's cooling system.
They added that there was a leak, which posed a very high risk in maintaining the operation of the block and required mandatory intervention.
Cubans continue to struggle every day without electricity and without hope of having it.
The forecasted deficit of over 1,600 MW for this Wednesday leaves much of the country in blackout, particularly affecting the central and eastern regions.
On Tuesday, the 24-hour service was disrupted, and it remained that way throughout the early hours of today.
The highest impact was 1,748 MW at 7:10 PM, coinciding with peak consumption time, and greater than what was planned due to demand exceeding expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions about the situation of the Felton thermoelectric plant and the energy crisis in Cuba
Why is the Felton thermoelectric plant important for electricity supply in Cuba?
The Felton thermoelectric plant is crucial for electricity supply in Cuba due to its energy generation capacity, making it one of the largest in the country. Its operation directly impacts the stability of the National Electric Power System (SEN), and its frequent breakdowns have significantly contributed to the current energy crisis.
What problems has the Felton thermoelectric plant faced recently?
The Felton thermoelectric power plant has faced multiple issues, such as breakdowns in the generator's cooling system and dangerous leaks that have required urgent repairs. These difficulties have led to frequent disconnections from the National Electroenergy System, impacting the electricity supply in several Cuban provinces.
What is the Cuban government's response to the current energy crisis?
The Cuban government has tried to tackle the energy crisis through maintenance on thermal power plants and the implementation of rotating electricity cuts. Despite these efforts, the lack of sustainable and effective solutions has left the population without a tangible improvement in the electricity supply, increasing social discontent.
What is expected for the future of the electrical system in Cuba?
The future of the electrical system in Cuba is uncertain due to constant breakdowns and ineffective management. A significant change in infrastructure and management is required to improve the situation in the long term. However, until drastic changes are implemented, it is expected that the energy crisis will continue to impact the Cuban population.
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