The Metal Structures Company "Comandante Paco Cabrera" (METUNAS), based in Las Tunas, is currently producing 650 tons of steel for the restoration of the main support structure of Block 2 of the "Lidio Ramón Pérez" Thermal Power Plant, located in Felton, Holguín.
Despite the arguments put forth by the regime that the U.S. economic "blockade" hinders access to basic components for repairing the decaying National Electric System (SEN), METUNAS manufactures and rehabilitates hundreds of tons of steel, according to a report from Canal Caribe, without specifying the cost of the repairs.
The steel, noted the official press, was certified through metallographic analyses conducted by the Metallurgical Research Center of Cuba and will be used in the production of welded plates to manufacture beams and columns for block 2 of the CTE, which is currently out of the National Electrical System due to a malfunction.
Julio César Tamayo Rodríguez, director of METUNAS, explained that the project required "specialized training for welders and pipefitters," as well as the qualification of welding procedures.
Currently, tests are being conducted using X-ray and ultrasound technology with the aim of , involving specialists from the Holguin thermoelectric plant and foreign technicians.
With a triumphant tone, METUNAS presents itself as one of the companies that "directly contribute to the stabilization of the National Electric System".
The "Lidio Ramón Pérez" power plant, with an installed capacity of 330 MW, has gone offline from the National Electric System on countless occasions, and when it synchronizes, it cannot reach its maximum output due to breakdowns in its components.
In February, Block 1 of Felton went offline due to a malfunction in the generator's protection system.
After a seven-day cooling process and the corresponding technical evaluations, specialists identified the cause of the failure and began synchronization tests.
That month, a team made up of specialized engineers and mechanics, together with technicians from the thermoelectric plant, worked on uncovering the upper casing of the generator to assess the condition of the internal components and proceed with the necessary repairs for block 1.
That new rehabilitation, in a context of widespread blackouts throughout the country, caused dissatisfaction among the population and complications in various sectors of the economy.
Unit 2 of Felton adds to others that increase the generation deficit in the country. Both this unit and Unit 3 of the Santa Cruz Thermoelectric Plant are out of service, while five other blocks are halted for maintenance at key plants such as Mariel, Cienfuegos, Santa Cruz, and Renté.
Experts have warned for years that the lack of investment, technological neglect, and poor planning on the part of the State have led to the collapse of the Cuban electrical system.
The constant breakdowns, combined with prolonged and poorly coordinated maintenance, reflect a structural inability of the government to ensure a stable and efficient electricity service.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba and the Felton Thermal Power Plant
What is the role of the Felton Thermoelectric Power Plant in Cuba's energy crisis?
The Felton Thermal Power Plant is crucial for Cuba's electricity supply, but its frequent breakdowns and maintenance have significantly contributed to the current energy crisis. The plant faces technical issues that reduce its generation capacity and increase the frequency of blackouts in the country.
What challenges does the Felton thermoelectric plant face in stabilizing its operation?
The Felton thermoelectric plant is facing challenges such as frequent breakdowns, lack of proper maintenance, and resource shortages. These difficulties have led to constant disconnections from the National Electric System (SEN), severely impacting electricity generation on the island.
How does the U.S. economic "blockade" affect the energy situation in Cuba?
The Cuban government claims that the "blockade" complicates the acquisition of necessary components for maintaining the electrical system. However, the company METUNAS has demonstrated the ability to produce and rehabilitate steel locally, suggesting that the main issues may be more related to internal planning and management than to the external embargo.
What measures has the Cuban government implemented to address the energy crisis?
The government has carried out maintenance and is promoting rehabilitation projects for plants such as Felton, but these actions have shown limited results. The lack of a comprehensive strategy and the ineffective execution of the work have prolonged the energy crisis without providing a long-term solution.
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