The Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric power plant in Matanzas could synchronize with the National Electric System (SEN) early this Friday, following complex days of repair work.
His possible return comes just before the official celebrations for July 26 – an important date for the government – in a very "timely" coincidence, following days of blackouts and energy instability.
The information was disclosed this Thursday by the official journalist José Miguel Solís, who detailed on his Facebook profile that the boiler would be ignited during the night, marking the countdown to the long-awaited operation of the generating unit.
The work, focused on the replacement, welding, and verification of pipes in a hard-to-reach area, was described as "very complex."
However, engineer Rubén Campos Olmos stated that the technical objectives were achieved, including reducing the high water consumption of the plant, a problem that has consistently challenged the unit block.
In addition, corrective actions were taken on various fronts to try to prolong the continuous operation time, in a context marked by the aging of the main block, which has accumulated 16 years without major maintenance, emphasized the official spokesperson.
Despite its criticized technical condition, the Guiteras is still regarded as "one of the most efficient in the country," with the lowest specific fuel consumption among Cuban thermoelectric plants.
It operates with national crude, which gives it a cost advantage per megawatt generated, according to official figures.
His return to the SEN comes at a time of severe blackouts in the country, creating expectations among Cubans who have seen an intensification of the electricity deficit in recent weeks.
As has happened on previous occasions, the challenge now will be to maintain the operational stability of a plant that has been operating at the edge of its capacities for years, with breakdowns becoming a common occurrence.
This Wednesday, it was reported that the thermoelectric plant would remain disconnected from the SEN for at least 24 more hours, as repair work progresses, an announcement that dashed the few hopes of the population for days with less impact.
La Guiteras suffered a major breakdown early last Sunday, and since then it has been reported that it will remain out of service for at least 72 hours.
However, executives from the thermoelectric plant reported that it was scheduled to conduct a hydraulic test this Tuesday after identifying the broken pipes in one of the water walls of the boiler, which caused the block to shut down.
All these "unexpected events" have occurred just a few hours after the Guiteras entered a planned maintenance that promised to restore 40 megawatts of power to the "most efficient and stable" unit block of the SEN.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant and its Impact on the Cuban Electric System
What is the current status of the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant?
The Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant is attempting to reconnect to the National Electric System (SEN) after recent repairs. It is expected to synchronize in the early hours of Friday, following complex maintenance efforts and several failed attempts due to its critical technical condition.
What problems does the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant face?
The Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant is facing recurring technical issues due to the aging of its infrastructure and the lack of capital maintenance over the past 16 years. Failures in the boiler, water leaks, and difficulties in maintaining stable operations have worsened the energy crisis in Cuba.
Why is the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant important for Cuba?
The Antonio Guiteras Thermal Power Plant is crucial because it is one of the largest and most efficient generating units in Cuba. Its operation with domestic crude oil reduces generation costs, and its location in the western region of the country is strategic for energy supply, especially during times of high demand.
How does the situation of the Guiteras affect the Cuban population?
The operational instability of the Guiteras has contributed to frequent blackouts in Cuba, severely impacting the daily life of the population. The prolonged and recurrent blackouts have generated social discontent and have been the cause of protests on several occasions, reflecting frustration with the erratic management of the electrical system by the authorities.
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