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The extraction of the fuel spilled last Thursday in the containment area of a tank at the inactive José Martí thermoelectric plant, in Matanzas, is progressing in an organized manner and without further incidents, according to Román Pérez Castañeda, technical director of the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant.
So far, more than half of the crude oil contained in the basin has been successfully extracted, emphasized the official news portal Cubadebate.
Authorities are now evaluating the properties of the fuel for its potential use at the Antonio Guiteras plant, also located in Matanzas.
The suction process could extend for an additional two to three days due to the high viscosity of the crude oil, which has necessitated the addition of water to facilitate handling, thereby increasing the volume to be processed.
The operation involves workers from the Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Repair Capital Enterprise (Empercap), supported by the Fire Brigade, Cupet, the construction sector, and the company Navegación Caribe, which is responsible for assisting in the prevention of potential environmental impacts in the bay of Matanzas.
Before the extraction, measures were taken to minimize fire risks, and once the suction process is completed, residues will be left embedded in the walls of the basin, so safety protocols will continue to be applied, Pérez Castañeda reported.
The José Martí thermal power plant has been inactive since 2015, accumulating a decade of neglect.
Although it is officially claimed that it was removed from the system due to technical deficiencies, the truth is that the facility has remained unused, without a clear plan for maintenance or dismantling.
As a consequence of this institutional neglect, the tanks that were part of its regular operation remained filled with unused fuel, and the progressive deterioration has led to this spill.
The incident raised concerns due to the high risk of fire and environmental damage in a vulnerable industrial area, prompting the mobilization of CUPET units, firefighters, and technicians from the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Station.
Hours later, it was reported that the leaked oil was successfully extracted from one of the abandoned tanks; however, the incident revealed much more than just a simple environmental emergency: it exposed a chain of negligence that has accumulated over the years.
The fuel had been stored without purpose or technical oversight for over a decade, in a corroded and obsolete metal structure, located in a highly flammable industrial environment.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Fuel Spill at the José Martí Thermoelectric Plant and the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What happened at the José Martí thermoelectric plant in Matanzas?
A fuel spill occurred in an inactive storage tank at the José Martí thermoelectric power plant in Matanzas. This incident was managed after the extraction of more than half of the spilled crude oil, revealing years of accumulated negligence in the management of industrial infrastructure in Cuba.
What is the current situation of the José Martí thermoelectric plant?
The José Martí thermoelectric plant has been inactive since 2015 without a clear maintenance or dismantling plan. This neglect has led to the accumulation of unused fuel in its tanks, resulting in the recent spill and highlighting the risks of leaving industrial infrastructures unprotected and without defined responsibilities.
What measures are being taken to prevent future incidents at the thermoelectric plant?
Safety protocols and preventative measures are being implemented to minimize fire risks and environmental impacts. The extraction of the spilled crude oil is being carried out with the collaboration of several entities, including the Fire Department and the company Navegación Caribe, to prevent damage to the bay of Matanzas.
What impact does the energy crisis have on the Cuban population?
The energy crisis has severely impacted the quality of life in Cuba, with prolonged blackouts limiting access to basic services such as food, water, and healthcare. This situation has heightened social frustration and led to protests in various regions of the country.
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