The energy crisis in Cuba continues to escalate.
In the official report this Friday, June 6, Unión Eléctrica (UNE) confirmed that the deficit in the National Electric System (SEN) will reach nearly 1,480 MW during peak hours, predicting more prolonged blackouts across the country.
On Thursday, the UNE had reported a reduction in the deficit, with a forecast of up to 1160 MW of maximum impact during peak hours. However, the service was interrupted for 24 hours, and the recorded peak reached 1,531 MW at 9:20 PM.
Today’s day did not start well either. At 7:00 AM, the availability of the National Electric System (SEN) was 2,040 MW, compared to a demand of 2,940 MW, resulting in a deficit of 970 MW from early on.
The estimate for noon was 1,150 MW, and the conditions for peak hours indicate an even more serious scenario, with a forecasted demand of 3,450 MW and coverage unable to meet it at just 2,040 MW.
During those peak demand hours, a deficit of 1410 MW is forecasted, with an impact of 1480 MW.
Among the main causes of the collapse is a malfunction in Unit 2 of the Felton CTE, as well as the simultaneous maintenance of four generating units in Mariel, Santa Cruz, Cienfuegos, and Renté.
Additionally, there is a thermal limitation of 398 MW out of service and serious fuel issues affecting 63 distributed generation plants, which adds another 570 MW of compromised capacity.
Not even the 15 new photovoltaic solar parks—announced as part of the energy solution—are able to mitigate the crisis. Yesterday, they only delivered 405 MW at their peak and generated a total of 1,495 MWh, a figure insufficient to counteract the rising national demand.
The outlook for the coming days is not promising.
With more thermal units out of service, a collapsed distributed generation due to lack of fuel, and a demand that far exceeds actual capacity, massive blackouts will remain a constant.
Meanwhile, social unrest is growing due to the government's inability to provide sustainable solutions amid a summer that is just beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions about Blackouts in Cuba and the Energy Crisis
What is the main cause of the electricity deficit in Cuba?
The electrical deficit in Cuba is due to a combination of breakdowns in thermal power plants, scheduled maintenance, and a lack of fuel. The situation is exacerbated by the obsolescence of the electrical infrastructure and the lack of sustainable investments in the energy sector, leading to prolonged blackouts that affect the entire population.
Why don't solar parks solve the energy crisis in Cuba?
Despite the addition of new photovoltaic solar parks, their contribution remains insufficient to cover the current energy deficit. The solar parks only generate a small fraction of the energy needed to meet national demand, and the crisis is mainly due to structural and logistical issues in the Cuban electrical system.
How does the energy crisis affect daily life in Cuba?
The energy crisis is causing prolonged blackouts that affect homes, businesses, and basic services. The lack of electricity disrupts food refrigeration, access to drinking water, and limits economic activity, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and discomfort among the Cuban population.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has announced the incorporation of solar parks and plans to increase the use of renewable energy. However, these measures have been insufficient and do not address the structural problems of the electrical system, such as the obsolescence of infrastructure and the lack of fuel, which perpetuates the energy crisis in the country.
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