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Directors of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant in Matanzas are planning to conduct a hydraulic test this Tuesday after identifying the fractured pipes in one of the water walls of the boiler, whose breakage caused the disconnection of the block from the National Electric System (SEN) this past Sunday.
The information was confirmed by the official journalist José Miguel Solís in a post on Facebook, where he explained that if the test result is favorable, the plant could make an attempt to restart and rejoin the country's electricity generation.
"Workers at Guiteras faced a rupture that compromised the pressurization of the boiler, which, along with the loss of water, led to the shutdown of the unit," explained engineer Rubén Campos Olmos, general director of the plant, as cited by Solís.
During this forced halt, corrective actions are also being implemented across various internal systems, taking advantage of the downtime to make progress on partial maintenance tasks, while a significant part of the preparations for the general maintenance scheduled for the end of the year is being consolidated.
This new incident occurs just hours after the Guiteras successfully synchronized with the SEN on Friday, July 19, after several days out of service.
However, its stability lasted very little: the boiler failed again the next day, in what has now become a critical routine at the plant.
However, the regime officials still hold out hope for maintenance that will restore stability to the plant.
La Guiteras has become one of the most unstable units of the Cuban electrical system, due to its aging, frequent breakdowns, and lack of spare parts.
Each new failure exacerbates the national energy crisis, characterized by daily blackouts lasting over 14 hours in many provinces.
"Campos Olmos stated that they have not abandoned the preparations for the general maintenance scheduled for the end of the year, which is expected to have a significant percentage of completion," said Solís without providing further details.
Although the officials hold out hope for a quick recovery, the cycles of synchronization, breakdown, and technical stoppage continue without any structural solutions being implemented, deepening public distrust in the system and in the promises made by the authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Antonio Guiteras Thermal Power Plant
Why is the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant so unstable?
The instability of the Antonio Guiteras Thermal Power Plant is mainly due to its aging, constant breakdowns, and lack of spare parts. These recurring failures have led to multiple disconnections from the National Electric System (SEN), exacerbating the energy crisis in Cuba. The outdated infrastructure and lack of proper maintenance intensify these issues.
What is the impact of the failures at Guiteras on the Cuban population?
The faults at the Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant have resulted in prolonged blackouts that severely affect the Cuban population. These power outages, lasting over 14 hours in some provinces, have caused social discontent and have led to protests. The persistent lack of electricity impacts the daily lives of citizens, restricting their access to essential services.
What measures are being taken to address the issues at Guiteras?
Hydraulic tests and corrective actions are being carried out on the boiler in an attempt to stabilize the plant. Although there are plans for general maintenance at the end of the year, the solutions so far have been temporary, without addressing the underlying structural issue. The lack of clarity and effectiveness in official communications has increased distrust in the authorities.
How does the situation with Guiteras affect the National Electric System of Cuba?
The situation with the Guiteras significantly impacts the National Electric System, causing a deficit that is nearing collapse. The plant, being the largest generating unit in the country, is crucial for the electricity supply. Its disconnection leaves Cuba in an even more precarious energy position, highlighting the technical and operational fragility of the Cuban electrical system.
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