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The National Electroenergetic System (SEN) is facing a new critical day this Monday, March 24, with a generation deficit exceeding 1,400 MW, according to official data from the Electric Union (UNE), which has resulted in prolonged blackouts across the country.
The electric service was briefly restored at 3:44 a.m., but it was affected again at 4:51 a.m. The maximum impact recorded the previous day was 1,475 MW at 8:00 p.m., coinciding with the peak demand time, due to unexpected outages of units 6 from Renté and 6 from Mariel.
For today's session, the availability of the SEN at 7:00 a.m. was 1,837 MW, while the demand stood at 2,200 MW, resulting in an initial shortfall of 457 MW. The UNE estimates that by noon, the shortfall may reach 850 MW, and during the nighttime peak, a maximum demand of 3,250 MW is expected, with an availability of only 1,897 MW, which would imply a shortfall of up to 1,423 MW.
Currently, the unit 6 of CTE Renté and the unit 2 of CTE Felton are out of service due to a malfunction. Five other units are undergoing scheduled maintenance. Furthermore, 84 distributed generation plants remain inactive due to lack of fuel, resulting in an additional loss of 521 MW.
In the capital, the Electric Company of Havana reported that power outages will be implemented in scheduled blocks
- Block 3: from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Block 4: from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Block 2: from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Block 1: from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Meanwhile, the Cuban regime continues to push its strategy towards renewable energies, especially solar. This Sunday, authorities reported that the Jovellanos II photovoltaic park in Matanzas is in the testing phase and is expected to contribute 21.87 MW to the SEN. It is the first of three planned parks for that province by 2025.
The ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel has promised that 55 new solar parks will be operational before the end of the year, with a total capacity of 1,200 MW. However, experts warn that, although this is a necessary alternative, the structural crisis of the Cuban electrical system cannot be resolved solely with clean energy, as long as the failures in thermal power plants, the lack of investment, and fuel shortages persist.
This weekend, the government also received a batch of equipment donated by China to continue with the photovoltaic expansion, amid one of the worst energy crises in recent years on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the current electricity generation deficit in Cuba?
The current electricity generation deficit in Cuba exceeds 1,400 MW. This situation has led to prolonged blackouts across the country due to the discrepancy between energy demand and available generation capacity.
What factors contribute to the ongoing blackouts in Cuba?
Power outages in Cuba are mainly due to the breakdown of thermoelectric units and the lack of fuel for distributed generation plants. These limitations prevent the National Electric Power System (SEN) from meeting the country's electricity demand.
How is the energy crisis affecting the Cuban population?
The energy crisis severely impacts the Cuban population, making daily activities such as cooking and using appliances difficult. Moreover, prolonged blackouts create frustration and social discontent, affecting the quality of life for citizens.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has tried to promote strategies for renewable energies, such as solar, but these measures are insufficient to address the structural crisis of the electrical system. The lack of investment and the shortage of fuel remain significant obstacles.
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