The Cuban energy crisis shows no signs of letting up.
In its report this Thursday, the Electric Union (UNE) confirmed that the country experienced service disruptions throughout the 24 hours of the previous day, with interruptions continuing into the early hours of today.
The peak impact was 1462 MW at 8:50 PM, right at the moment of highest national demand.
At 7:00 am on this day, the National Electric System (SEN) had only 1695 MW available against a demand of 2750 MW, resulting in a shortfall of 1133 MW due to capacity deficit.
The situation is not improving as the hours go by: it is estimated that by midday the impact will reach 1200 MW.
A collapsed system
The figures from the official report clearly indicate the operational collapse of the SEN. The main causes are a combination of massive breakdowns, scheduled maintenance, thermal limitations, and fuel shortages, all symptoms of an outdated and poorly managed system.
Three units out of service due to breakdowns at the Mariel, Nuevitas, and Felton power plants.
Four other blocks are under maintenance at the Santa Cruz, Cienfuegos, Diez de Octubre, and Renté power plants.
In addition, thermal limitations keep 277 MW out of the system.
This is compounded by severe issues due to a lack of fuel, which leaves 68 distributed generation plants (489 MW) inactive, and another 86 MW offline due to a lack of oil in engines, raising the total affected by this cause to 575 MW.
Power outages for a while: grim forecast for the peak
The UNE anticipates a slight recovery of 80 MW for peak hours, thanks to the partial reintegration of some distributed generation engines.
However, the improvement is negligible compared to the overall situation: with an estimated availability of 1775 MW and a projected demand of 3250 MW, a deficit of 1475 MW is expected, which will result in a greater impact of 1545 MW during peak consumption hours.
Solar energy: still insufficient
In the midst of the collapse, the report seeks to highlight a slight glimmer of hope with the production of 16 new photovoltaic solar parks, which delivered 1289 MWh and reached a maximum capacity of 366 MW.
Although significant, this figure remains insufficient to offset the overall collapse of the system.
Blackout without horizon
With cuts that are no longer limited to nights or specific provinces, blackouts have become the daily norm for millions of Cubans, as the government fails to provide sustainable solutions or real transparency regarding the state of the energy infrastructure.
While the authorities insist on blaming external factors, the data shows that chronic maintenance neglect, excessive dependence on fossil fuel sources without logistical support, and structural inefficiency remain the fundamental causes of the national energy disaster.
In summary, Cuba awakens once again with more shadows than lights. And without a credible plan to overcome the blackout.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the current situation of the electrical system in Cuba?
The electrical system in Cuba is collapsed due to a combination of massive breakdowns, scheduled maintenance, thermal limitations, and fuel shortages. This situation has resulted in blackouts being a constant in the daily life of Cubans.
What causes have led to the energy crisis in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba is mainly due to the obsolescence of the electrical system, lack of maintenance, and a high dependence on fossil fuels. Technical problems, such as breakdowns in thermoelectric plants and fuel shortages, have exacerbated the situation.
How does the energy crisis affect daily life in Cuba?
The energy crisis severely impacts the quality of life of Cubans, affecting the operation of basic services, industry, and transportation. Prolonged blackouts disrupt access to water, food refrigeration, and other essential needs.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has attempted to implement renewable energy projects, such as the installation of photovoltaic solar parks, but these efforts have been insufficient to offset the energy deficit. No significant structural measures have been announced to address the crisis.
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