While Spain is making tremendous efforts to restore supply within a few hours after the massive blackout that left millions without electricity shortly after noon this Monday, in Cuba the situation remains much more critical.
The nation barely survives a prolonged energy crisis, and the Electric Union is working intensely to prevent the National Electric System (SEN) from collapsing again under the weight of generation deficits.
According to the information note published this Monday on Facebook by the Electric Union of Cuba, the country has experienced service disruptions over the past 24 hours, with the critical situation continuing into the early hours of today.
The highest reported impact this Sunday was 1,450 MW at 8:20 PM, coinciding with the peak demand time.
Regarding renewable energy production, solar photovoltaic parks generated 984 MWh, an amount insufficient to reverse the accumulated deficit.
Currently, the generation availability stands at 1,887 MW compared to a demand of 2,580 MW, resulting in a current shortfall of 752 MW.
By noon this Monday, the Electric Union forecasts an impact of 980 MW.
In light of the peak hours, the outlook is even more concerning: an availability of only 1,947 MW is projected, compared to a demand that could reach 3,300 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,353 MW and an estimated impact of 1,423 MW.
The landscape reflects the fragile energy situation in Cuba, where prolonged blackouts have become a daily occurrence.
Unlike Spain, which manages a recovery process for its electrical grid with modern infrastructure and immediate response resources, in the Caribbean island, failures in generation, obsolescence of plants, and lack of investments make it increasingly difficult to stabilize the service.
An example of the energy crisis that Cuba is experiencing was what happened last Friday in Cienfuegos, where power outages were nearly widespread due to simultaneous maintenance of the local thermoelectric plant and a shortage of fuel.
During an appearance at the telecenter Perlavisión, sector managers explained that the lack of fuel has caused the shutdown of several distributed generation sites, which has resulted in high levels of deficit nationwide and, consequently, widespread impacts in the province.
The "Carlos Manuel de Céspedes" Thermoelectric Plant in Cienfuegos, one of the country's main sources of power generation, also began testing the safety valves last Friday to start up and synchronize with the national electrical grid.
According to the official post on their communication channels, the technicians ignited the boiler of block 3 to carry out the necessary tests on the safety valves and install the casing of part of the turbine; although this news, as is often the case, will not resolve the crisis facing the country that causes so much distress.
In the capital of Cuba, for example, public outrage has reached critical levels after the repeated failures to adhere to the blackout schedule announced by the Electric Company of Havana (EELH), which has triggered protests, complaints on social media, and increasing discontent among citizens affected by prolonged electricity cuts beyond what was announced.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba and Blackouts
What is the current situation of the electric system in Cuba?
The situation of the electrical system in Cuba is critical, with a generation deficit reaching 1,353 MW during peak hours. The country faces prolonged and ongoing blackouts due to insufficient electricity generation to meet demand. The obsolescence of power plants, lack of maintenance, and shortage of fuel are factors that exacerbate this crisis.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government is implementing the construction of photovoltaic solar parks as part of a strategy to diversify the energy matrix. However, these measures are not sufficient to resolve the structural crisis of the national electrical system (SEN). Solar generation is intermittent and does not cover nighttime demand, which limits its effectiveness.
Why don't solar parks solve the energy problem in Cuba?
Despite the fact that photovoltaic solar parks contribute to energy generation, their impact is still marginal compared to the needs of the country. Solar generation relies on the weather and cannot meet demand during peak nighttime hours. Furthermore, connection to an aging grid limits its actual efficiency.
How does the energy crisis affect the Cuban population?
The Cuban population faces daily and prolonged blackouts, which negatively impacts their daily lives and the provision of essential services such as health and education. Social discontent is rising due to the lack of effective solutions and growing distrust towards official reports regarding the state of the electricity supply.
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