The Cuban electrical system is experiencing one of its worst days of the year, with disruptions that have lasted throughout the 24 hours of Monday and continue this Tuesday.
The Cuban Electric Union (UNE) reported that the situation worsened following the unexpected shutdown of the combined cycle at Energás Varadero and unit 3 of the Santa Cruz thermoelectric power plant (CTE), which increased the generation capacity deficit.
The highest recorded impact on Monday was 1,916 MW at 11:00 PM, coinciding with the peak demand time.
Growing deficit and insufficient solar generation
At 7:00 AM this Tuesday, the availability of the National Electric System (SEN) was only 1,650 MW, against a demand of 3,070 MW, leaving 1,447 MW without service.
For midday, an impact of 1,480 MW is estimated, while for the peak nighttime hours, the forecast is even more grim: a deficit of 1,922 MW and a projected impact of 1,992 MW.
Despite the contribution of the 24 new solar photovoltaic parks, which supplied 2,513 MWh this Monday and reached a maximum capacity of 503 MW at noon, the volume is not enough to meet the growing demand.
Several units out of service and lack of fuel
The UNE reports that currently the following units are out of service: Unit 3 in Santa Cruz, Unit 4 in Energás Varadero, Unit 6 at the CTE Renté, and Unit 2 at the CTE Felton. Additionally, three other units are undergoing scheduled maintenance: Unit 2 in Santa Cruz, Unit 4 at the CTE Carlos Manuel de Céspedes in Cienfuegos, and Unit 5 at the CTE Renté.
There are also thermal limitations that keep 409 MW offline, and the lack of fuel continues to affect the operation of 94 distributed generation plants (797 MW) and three engines of the Regla barges (28 MW), which represents a total of 825 MW compromised due to lack of fuel.
Critical breakdown at Energás Varadero
This Monday, the shutdown of the combined cycle system of Energás Varadero reduced the already limited contribution to the National Electric System (SEN) by 30 MW. The unit, which was generating slightly more than 90 MW before the failure, was limited to just 60 MW after the breakdown.
The plant director, Julio Betancourt, explained that the fault is located in the generator's exciter, an essential component whose condition is being assessed to determine when it can be reintegrated into the system.
Energás Varadero has an installed capacity of 100 MW and operates using associated gas from oil, supplied by the Drilling and Extraction Company of the Center.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
Why are power outages intensifying in Cuba?
Power outages in Cuba are due to a critical deficit in electricity generation. The crisis has been aggravated by the unexpected shutdown of several generating units, such as the combined cycle of Energás Varadero and unit 3 of the Santa Cruz thermoelectric plant. Additionally, there are thermal limitations and a severe lack of fuel that impact the distributed generation capacity throughout the country.
What is the current electric generation capacity available in Cuba?
At the time of the report, the availability of the National Electric System (SEN) was only 1,650 megawatts (MW), compared to a demand of 3,070 MW, according to recent data provided by the Electric Union of Cuba (UNE). This indicates a significant deficit that has led to widespread blackouts across the country.
What measures is Cuba taking to address the energy crisis?
Cuba has incorporated 24 new photovoltaic solar parks, which have managed to deliver a significant amount of energy to the system. However, this effort has been insufficient to meet the growing demand. Maintenance has also been scheduled for several thermoelectric units, and the reintroduction of some units to the system is expected, although these efforts have not effectively resolved the crisis.
How does the lack of fuel affect electricity generation in Cuba?
The fuel shortage is a critical factor in Cuba's energy crisis. Currently, 94 distributed generation plants are out of service due to a lack of fuel, resulting in a significant loss of generation capacity. This situation has exacerbated the energy deficit in the country, contributing to prolonged blackouts.
Are there prospects for improvement in the Cuban electricity crisis?
Currently, there are no clear signs of an immediate improvement in the electricity crisis in Cuba. Promises of investments and improvements in the energy sector have not yielded tangible results, and the population continues to face daily blackouts. The lack of planning and resources remains a significant obstacle to resolving the crisis in the short term.
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