The Thermoelectric "Carlos Manuel de Céspedes" in Cienfuegos, one of the main sources of power generation in the country, began tests on the safety valves this Friday to start up and synchronize with the National Electric System (SEN).
According to the official post on their communication channels, the technicians fired up the boiler of block 3 to carry out the relevant tests on the safety valves and install part of the turbine's casing.
On the morning of this Friday, during the process, the pressure was increased until each valve was triggered to test them.
"We reiterate that it is a process carried out under supervision, adhering to the technological parameters and time set for this test," the specialists specified.
On January 22, a fire halted operations at block 4 and worsened the national electricity crisis in the midst of winter.
The incident, attributed to a malfunction in the boiler and accompanied by a large column of smoke visible from various points in Cienfuegos, highlighted the precarious conditions and risks faced by Cuba's thermoelectric plants.
Since then, the unit has been out of service, and the current testing process aims for its reinstatement after nearly three months of inactivity.
Meanwhile, the SEN is experiencing one of the days with the highest generation deficit. The Electric Union of Cuba released its daily report on the status of the National Electric System (SEN) this Friday, announcing that supply losses are expected to reach 1,800 megawatts (MW) during the peak demand this evening.
The information describes a situation of chronic imbalance between electricity generation availability and consumption throughout the country, which has resulted in prolonged outages since yesterday afternoon.
For the evening peak, the UNE projects that demand will reach 3,380 MW, while availability will remain at 1,650 MW. If these figures are confirmed, the deficit will be 1,730 MW, with a total impact of 1,800 MW.
This volume of blackouts will impact both industry and domestic supply, with interruptions lasting several hours nationwide.
Currently, two units from the Mariel and Felton thermoelectric power plants are out of service. Additionally, maintenance work is scheduled for four blocks at the Santa Cruz, Cienfuegos, and Renté power plants.
Thermal limitations keep an additional 399 MW out of service.
The fuel shortage affects both 104 distributed generation plants—equivalent to 725 MW—and the Mariel fuel plant, which has 50 MW offline.
The eight photovoltaic parks that recently began operations contributed a total of 986 MWh to the grid, which, although it partially alleviates the deficit, is insufficient to cover the structural imbalance between generation and consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cienfuegos Thermoelectric Plant Situation and the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What tests are being conducted at the Cienfuegos thermoelectric plant?
The "Carlos Manuel de Céspedes" thermoelectric plant in Cienfuegos is conducting tests on the safety valves of unit 3, in order to start up and synchronize with the National Electric System (SEN). The tests involve igniting the boiler and increasing the pressure until the valves are triggered, all under supervision and in compliance with technological parameters.
What is the current status of the National Electric System (SEN) in Cuba?
The SEN is experiencing a significant generation shortfall, with supply losses that could reach 1,800 MW during peak demand. The Cuban Electric Union has reported a chronic imbalance between generation availability and electricity consumption, which has resulted in prolonged blackouts across the country.
What impact did the fire at the Cienfuegos thermoelectric plant have?
The fire at the Cienfuegos thermoelectric plant significantly worsened the energy crisis in Cuba. It occurred in January 2025 and caused severe damage to the control rooms, contributing to the prolonged blackouts across the country. Despite repair efforts, it is estimated that the affected units will not be fully operational until June.
What efforts are being made to improve the energy situation in Cuba?
The repair and maintenance of the units at the Cienfuegos thermoelectric plant are part of the efforts to improve the situation. Additionally, contributions from other local industries are being made for the necessary repairs. However, the lack of resources and poor management have hindered the stabilization of the electrical system.
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