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The combined cycle of Energás Varadero went offline this Monday at noon, reducing its contribution to the National Electric System (SEN) by 30 megawatts and increasing the generation deficit in the country.
The information was revealed by the official journalist José Miguel Solís, who explained on Facebook that the unit has been restricted to only 60 MW, after generating a little over 90 MW before the malfunction.
According to statements from the industry director, Julio Betancourt, the fault is located in the exciter of the generator, an essential component that is being investigated to assess its reintegration into the system.
Energás Varadero, which operates with associated gas from the oil supplied by the Central Drilling and Extraction Company, has an installed capacity of 100 megawatts.
Its structure combines two gas turbines that provide 60 MW and a combined cycle that generates the remaining 40 MW, thanks to a boiler that reuses the combustion gases.
The departure of this unit represents an immediate loss of 30 MW compared to what it was generating at the time of the failure, which adds to the already critical energy situation faced by the Cuban people.
Cuba began the week with significant blackouts across the country due to a generation capacity deficit that on Monday could exceed 1,700 megawatts (MW) during peak hours, as by the Electric Union (UNE).
In the midst of an energy crisis, the regime has resorted to cynicism once again: asking the people to save electricity while blackouts last for hours.
This time it happened in the Isle of Youth, where the Director of Commercial Services of the Electric Company, Yosvany Hernández, urged the population to reduce their consumption, completely ignoring the precarious situation that thousands of families are already facing.
On the other hand, the regime has recently acknowledged that, despite several photovoltaic parks being operational, it is insufficient to meet the demand.
In this regard, the UNE warned this Sunday that power outages will continue across Cuba, although 23 new solar photovoltaic parks produced a total of 2,892 MWh and delivered up to 568 MW at peak.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the main cause of the recent breakdown at Energás Varadero?
The fault is located in the exciter of the Energás Varadero generator, an essential component that is being investigated to assess its reintegration into the system. This failure has reduced the contribution to the National Electric System by 40 megawatts and has worsened the generation deficit in Cuba.
How does the exit of Energás Varadero impact the energy landscape of Cuba?
The outage at Energás Varadero results in an immediate loss of 30 MW compared to what it was generating at the time of the failure, which adds to the already critical energy situation facing the country. The Cuban population continues to endure prolonged and widespread blackouts, with no immediate solution in sight.
What impact does the energy crisis have on the daily lives of Cubans?
Extended blackouts severely impact the daily life of Cubans, causing physical and emotional strain. The power outages also lead to spoiled refrigerated food and interruptions in the water supply, increasing social unrest.
How has the Cuban government responded to the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has announced measures such as the reactivation of generator units after maintenance, but the lack of structural solutions and the deterioration of the energy infrastructure indicate an inability to resolve the problem. The ongoing blackouts and fuel shortages exacerbate the crisis, with no clear prospects for improvement.
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