The Felton 1 Unit of the "Lidio Ramón Pérez" thermoelectric plant, located in the municipality of Mayarí, Holguín province, could begin its startup process this Tuesday morning after successfully completing a hydraulic test conducted on Monday as part of the repair efforts.
The information was published by the Electric Union of Cuba (UNE) on its official Facebook page, where it was also indicated that work is currently underway on sealing the furnace floor.
According to statements from the director of the thermoelectric plant, proudly showcasing the regime's optimistic rhetoric, he asserted that the plant is in the final phase of resolving the malfunction.
The note added that the Nuevitas 5 unit is forecasted to come online on Thursday, as part of the efforts to recover generation and reduce the impact on the national electrical system.
Unit 1 of Felton was disconnected from the National Electric System (SEN) last Saturday due to a leak in the boiler, worsening the already critical energy situation in the country.
The official journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso stated through his Facebook account, although without providing further details about this "new" unforeseen event.
Subsequently, engineer Erick Milanés Quinzán, the general director of the plant, explained that initially the extent of the malfunction was difficult to determine due to the large amount of high-pressure steam dispersed in the area.
“We thought it was a wall of pipes, but now that the steam has subsided, we see that it is probably a drainage from the boiler, which would be much easier to repair,” stated the engineer.
If "the miracle" of connecting and synchronizing this unit to the SEN on Tuesday morning is achieved, it could, with a bit of luck, alleviate the acute energy crisis, which on Monday set a new record for power outages.
According to the official notice issued by UNE, at 7:00 a.m. the generation availability was only 1,527 MW compared to a demand of 2,700 MW, resulting in an immediate shortfall of 1,190 MW.
By noon, the deficit is expected to increase to 1,350 MW, and reach up to 1,858 MW during the night if current conditions persist.
Alonso confirmed on his social media that the estimated deficit for this Monday is one of the highest in recent years.
Frequently Asked Questions about the situation of the Felton thermoelectric plant and the energy crisis in Cuba
Why is the Felton thermoelectric plant crucial for electricity supply in Cuba?
The Felton thermoelectric plant is one of the main power generation facilities in Cuba, and its operation is essential for the National Electric System. The frequent breakdowns at Felton have been one of the primary causes of the prolonged blackouts affecting the country, particularly in the central and eastern regions.
What are the causes of the frequent breakdowns at the Felton thermoelectric plant?
The breakdowns at the Felton thermoelectric plant are primarily due to issues with the generator's cooling system and the boiler, as well as a lack of proper maintenance. The plant, with more than 30 years of operation, suffers from significant wear and tear, which necessitates constant interventions that are not always effective in the long term.
How has Felton's departure affected the National Electric System?
The shutdown of Felton from the National Electric System has worsened the energy crisis in Cuba, causing widespread and prolonged blackouts. The reduction in Felton's generation capacity, along with other offline plants, has led to an energy deficit impacting much of the country.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has implemented regular maintenance on thermoelectric plants and announced renewable energy projects, such as photovoltaic parks, to diversify the energy matrix. However, these measures have not been enough to resolve the crisis, and the lack of resources and ineffective management continue to be a significant problem.
What do Cubans think about the management of the energy crisis?
Cubans have expressed great discontent and frustration through social media due to the lack of effective solutions from the government. The population criticizes the inefficient management and unfulfilled promises, which has led to a growing distrust in the authorities and a feeling of hopelessness regarding the energy crisis.
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