The synchronization of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant with the National Electroenergetic System (SEN) this Friday morning will allow for a slight reduction in the magnitude of the blackouts affecting the country, reported the Electric Union (UNE).
On Thursday, the impact of the generation deficit reached 1,848 MW during peak hour (9:30 PM), a figure that is expected to decrease to 1,460 MW at the same time this Friday.
According to the report from UNE, this will be possible thanks to the return of the Guiteras and the addition of other generating units such as unit 3 of the CTE Renté (60 MW) and unit 5 of Mariel (60 MW), as well as the partial recovery of engines in distributed generation.
However, despite the temporary relief, the situation is extremely complex.
As of 7:00 AM today, the system's availability was only 1,890 MW against a demand of 3,210 MW, with an immediate shortfall of 1,333 MW.
For the night peak, a maximum demand of 3,500 MW is expected, with a availability of 2,110 MW, which will result in widespread outages during the hours of highest consumption.
Currently, units 5 of the Mariel power plant, and 3 and 6 of Renté, as well as unit 2 of Felton are out of service due to malfunctions, while three other blocks from the Santa Cruz, Cienfuegos, and Renté power plants are undergoing maintenance.
This is in addition to 89 distributed generation facilities and five engines from the Regla barge, out of operation due to a lack of fuel, which represents an additional 799 MW of impact.
There were also fewer blackouts in Havana on Thursday.
According to the Electric Company, as reported on , the service was interrupted for 16 hours and 45 minutes, with a peak of 98 MW at 9:30 PM, which was restored at 4:06 AM today.
"Although it was planned, it was not necessary to affect block B2 between 10:00 am and 2:30 pm, nor block B1 between 2:30 pm and 7:00 pm. In the early morning, blocks 6 and 4 were also not affected, which were planned between 4:00 am and 8:00 am," the post details.
La Guiteras, regarded as the most efficient in the country due to its low specific fuel consumption and use of national oil, resumed delivering energy to the system at 2:45 am, after being out of service since Sunday due to a significant breakdown.
His departure worsened the energy crisis that the country is experiencing, resulting in a significant increase in blackouts in recent days.
La Guiteras, with a capacity exceeding 200 MW, is the largest single generating unit of electricity in the country.
Engineer Rubén Campos Olmos detailed that the recent repair was complex due to the difficult location of the damaged pipes, but it was possible to replace, weld, and test the faulty sections, which he believes will ensure a more stable and efficient operation.
However, Cubans have no reason to feel relieved or optimistic.
The unit has gone over 16 years without major maintenance and has experienced multiple service outages in recent months.
Although his reintegration is good news for SEN, the sustainability of its operation remains uncertain, and the population continues to face prolonged power outages, exacerbated by the high summer temperatures and the accumulated deterioration of the national electrical infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba and the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant
How does the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant affect the energy crisis in Cuba?
The Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant is crucial for the Cuban electrical system due to its generation capacity of over 200 MW, making it the largest in the country. Its unstable operation, characterized by frequent breakdowns, exacerbates the energy crisis, resulting in widespread and prolonged blackouts across the island.
What are the main causes of blackouts in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba is due to several factors: constant breakdowns in thermoelectric plants, lack of proper maintenance, fuel shortages, and outdated electrical infrastructure. The situation is exacerbated by a lack of investment and ineffective management of the national electrical system.
What actions is the Cuban government taking to address the electricity crisis?
The Cuban government has announced promises of investment to improve generation capacity and modernize infrastructure, as well as the purchase of mobile generation units. However, the credibility of these promises is low, and the population continues to experience prolonged blackouts without clear short-term solutions.
Why is the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant so important for the Cuban electrical system?
The Antonio Guiteras is the most efficient thermoelectric power plant in Cuba, thanks to its low fuel consumption and the use of national oil. With a generation capacity exceeding 200 MW, it serves as a cornerstone of the electrical system, so its unstable operation directly affects the frequency and duration of power outages.
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