Cuba is experiencing one of the worst energy crises of the year, with widespread blackouts throughout the entire previous day and a power generation deficit that set a record of 2,054 megawatts (MW) out of service.
According to a report this Tuesday by the Electric Union (UNE), the collapse in electricity generation capacity, which exceeded expectations, was due to a shortage of fuel in the tankers in Havana and the shutdown of unit 5 at the Nuevitas Thermal Power Plant.
The figure surpassed the previous record, set last Tuesday, July 15, when the blackout reached 2020 MW inoperable due to the inactivity of the Melones barge and unexpected outages of two units from the Mariel and Nuevitas thermal power plants.
According to the report on the status of the National Electric System (SEN), at 7:00 AM today, the system's availability was only 1740 MW, while the national demand reached 3308 MW, resulting in an immediate shortfall of 1595 MW due to capacity deficit.
At peak hours, an impact of 1450 MW is estimated.
During the nighttime peak hours, the situation is expected to worsen even further. The forecast indicates a maximum demand of 3680 MW, compared to a mere availability of 1788 MW.
This translates to an estimated deficit of 1,892 MW, with potential impacts of up to 1,962 MW, one of the highest figures recorded in recent years.
Widespread incidents in the system
The UNE reported simultaneous failures in five generating units at the Energas Varadero plant and the thermoelectric plants Nuevitas, Felton, Renté, and Guiteras.
This is further compounded by units under maintenance at the Santa Cruz, Cienfuegos, and once again at Renté thermoelectric plants, which has further reduced the capacity to respond to the increasing electricity demand.
In addition, 245 MW are out of service due to thermal limitations, and 87 distributed generation plants are shut down due to a lack of fuel, resulting in a loss of 720 MW.
The floating barges installed in areas like Melones and Regla are also facing serious operational issues due to fuel shortages, with only a fraction of their engines functioning.
Havana: the persistence of prolonged blackouts
The national situation is compounded by a new report issued by the Electric Company of Havana, confirming that on Monday, service was disrupted in the capital for more than 22 hours, with a maximum outage of 105 MW recorded at 8:50 PM.
During the early hours of this Tuesday, the disruptions continued due to a generation deficit, and as of the time the report was issued, supply had not been restored in several areas.
"As we have already explained, these emergency measures only depend on the requirements of the SEN," specifies the information note.
Solar energy: an insufficient contribution
The UNE highlighted that the 22 new photovoltaic solar parks generated 2,312 MWh in a single day, with a peak power of 478 MW.
While this source represents a step forward in the country's energy diversification, its contribution remains insufficient compared to a national demand that almost doubles the available capacity of the system.
A collapse with consequences
The situation has led to prolonged blackouts across all provinces, affecting both the population and the productive economic sectors.
On social media, citizens report power outages lasting over 18 hours, interruptions in water supply, and disruptions in hospitals and workplaces.
Meanwhile, the UNE insists that it is working to gradually restore the out-of-service units and improve the distribution of fuel.
But for now, Cubans must brace themselves for a week characterized by prolonged and unpredictable power outages, amid a summer that is already hitting with extreme temperatures and an energy infrastructure at its breaking point.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the current energy deficit in Cuba?
The energy deficit in Cuba has reached 2054 megawatts (MW), according to the latest report from the Electric Union (UNE). This figure reflects one of the worst energy crises in the country so far this year.
What factors have contributed to the energy crisis in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba is the result of a combination of breakdowns, scheduled maintenance, and lack of fuel. These issues have impacted both thermal power plants and distributed generation units, leaving many of them out of service.
How does the energy crisis affect the Cuban population?
The energy crisis has caused prolonged blackouts across all provinces, impacting the supply of water, the operation of hospitals, schools, and workplaces. Citizens report power cuts lasting over 10 hours a day.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government, through the UNE, is working to gradually recover the units out of service and improve fuel distribution. However, these measures have not been enough to reverse the current crisis.
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