The National Electric System (SEN) faces a very challenging situation this Wednesday, with a series of incidents affecting energy availability throughout the country.
According to the report from the Unión Eléctrica, the service has experienced interruptions since yesterday, and the impacts continued into the early hours of today. The highest recorded value was 1662 MW at 7:50 PM.
Current Situation of the SEN
At 7:00 am, the system availability was 1636 MW, a figure significantly lower than the demand, which reached 2700 MW. The difference resulted in an impact of 1090 MW. By noon, it must exceed 1200 MW.
The report highlights several breakdowns and technical issues that exacerbate the crisis.
Four units from CTE Mariel, Nuevitas, and Felton are experiencing failures that reduce their generation capacity and directly contribute to the lack of energy availability.
On the other hand, four more units from the thermoelectric plants Santa Cruz, Cienfuegos, and Renté are under maintenance.
In terms of energy production, the eight new photovoltaic solar parks generated 1,138 MWh of energy. However, energy needs continue to exceed the available capacity.
A total of 337 MW of capacity is offline due to thermal limitations, which worsens the situation.
Moreover, the lack of fuel continues to be a determining factor in the deficiencies of the electrical system.
Currently, 96 distributed generation plants, totaling 649 MW, are inactive due to a lack of fuel. Four engines at the Melones site, with a capacity of 68 MW, are out of service for similar reasons.
27 MW have also been reported out of service due to a lack of lubricants, further limiting the generation capacity of the SEN.
Forecast for peak hours
The forecast for peak demand hours is especially concerning. The entry of the four engines in the Melones site is estimated, with a capacity of 68 MW.
However, the deficit remains significant: with an expected availability of 1704 MW against a maximum demand of 3350 MW, the system will experience a deficit of 1646 MW and an impact of 1716 MW.
The impact of the disruptions is significant, both in the daily lives of citizens and in the operation of essential industries and services.
The situation underscores the importance of investing in energy infrastructure and efficient resource management, as well as diversifying energy sources to ensure greater stability in the future.
Moreover, the lack of fuel and lubricants highlights the urgent need to improve logistical conditions in the generating plants to prevent unexpected shutdowns that could exacerbate the energy crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the magnitude of blackouts in Cuba currently?
Blackouts in Cuba are reaching a deficit of up to 1716 MW, reflecting a severe energy crisis. The situation is exacerbated by a lack of fuel and the maintenance of several thermoelectric units, which prevents meeting the energy demand in the country.
What factors contribute to the energy crisis in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba is mainly due to infrastructure issues in the thermal power plants, the lack of proper maintenance, and the shortage of fuel and lubricants. These deficiencies prevent the National Electric System (SEN) from meeting the energy demand, resulting in prolonged blackouts.
How do blackouts affect the daily lives of Cubans?
Blackouts severely impact daily life in Cuba, interrupting essential activities such as cooking, water supply, and the use of appliances. Furthermore, they create frustration and discontent among the population, affecting both personal well-being and the economy of the country.
What measures are being taken to address the energy crisis in Cuba?
So far, no effective long-term solutions have been implemented to address the energy crisis in Cuba. The government has resorted to temporary solutions, such as the importation of floating power plants, but these measures have not tackled the structural issues within the country's electrical system.
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