The Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant once again suspended its operations last Tuesday, amid a heatwave and with a country already exhausted by blackouts.
The reason given by the authorities was a new leak in the boiler. The solution is an emergency repair that, as they admit, will not guarantee the optimal functioning of the most important generating unit in the country.
“El bloque will be operational, but not in perfect conditions,” acknowledged Lázaro Guerra Hernández, director of Electricity at the Ministry of Energy and Mines (Minem), in statements to the official newspaper Granma.
His statement confirms what many Cubans already feel in their daily lives, the national energy infrastructure is on the brink of collapse, and quick fixes are not enough.
A debt that is paid with blackouts
The Guiteras, which contributes 220 megawatts to the Cuban electric system, suffers from a “significant capital maintenance debt”, according to Guerra.
Since its inauguration in 1989, the plant has not undergone a thorough rehabilitation, which explains the recurrent breakdowns that have taken it out of the system more than once just this month.
The current issue is located in the reheater, one of the key components of the boiler. Although efforts are being made around the clock to identify and repair all the damaged tubes, the very structural conditions of the machine create a vicious cycle, as some parts are repaired, but others can fail at any moment.
"Any sudden movement of the machine, an unexpected drop, can result in stress on the pipeline and lead to another failure," explained the official, in a description that illustrates the fragility of the system.
Although Minem assures that it has all the necessary material and human resources to carry out the repair within a period of 96 hours, it also warns that the condition of the air heater "is not good" and could lead to new failures.
The technical routine described by Guerra, including cooling, pressure tests, leak control, and gradual start-up, makes sense in an industrial environment. But in present-day Cuba, every hour without electricity translates to spoiled food, children suffocating from the heat, and entire communities paralyzed.
The director of Electricity insisted that, despite the shutdowns, Guiteras has provided "a lot of power" this year. But that statement no longer brings comfort.
In the streets and on social media, the discontent among Cubans is growing due to the frequency of blackouts, the lack of transparency, and the feeling that the entire energy system hangs by a rusty thread.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba and the Antonio Guiteras Thermal Power Plant
Why is the Antonio Guiteras Thermal Power Plant not operating under optimal conditions?
The Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant is not operating under optimal conditions due to its structural deterioration and lack of capital maintenance over more than 35 years. The plant has experienced multiple breakdowns, particularly in its boiler, which prevents stable and efficient operation.
How do these issues at Guiteras affect the Cuban population?
The issues at Guiteras significantly contribute to the prolonged blackouts affecting the Cuban population. These power outages lead to food loss, disruption of essential services, and a growing social unrest due to adverse living conditions.
What measures is the government taking to repair the thermoelectric plant?
The Cuban government has implemented emergency repairs at the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant, working against the clock to resolve malfunctions. However, these measures are insufficient to ensure optimal operation due to the need for capital maintenance that has not been carried out in decades.
What are the main causes of breakdowns in the Guiteras?
The main causes of breakdowns at Guiteras are the deterioration of the boiler and the high-temperature reheater, as well as recurrent leaks in the pipes. These issues stem from inadequate maintenance and the plant's outdated infrastructure.
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