The Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant in Matanzas may attempt to synchronize this Friday, provided that the necessary tests and corrective work can be completed on time, reported on his Facebook profile the official journalist from Radio 26 José Miguel Solís.
The hope of reintegrating the National Electric System (SEN) the country's most important plant comes amid a context of widespread blackouts, scorching heat, and deep citizen discontent.
The engineer Rubén Campos Olmos, director of the yumurino block, explained that the current work focuses on welding, technical controls, and testing of the boiler, the damaged heart of the Guiteras.
The emergency intervention aims to address a new leak detected on Tuesday, July 29, just four days after the plant returned to the SEN following a previous breakdown.
La Guiteras, which provides up to 220 megawatts and represents the largest single unit in the country, has recorded three serious shutdowns in July. The most recent was attributed to damage in the high-temperature reheater and a water wall in the boiler, a structure that has not received major maintenance since its opening in 1989. More than 35 years of neglect have turned this strategic infrastructure into a ticking time bomb.
According to the technicians, the recovery process includes more than a hundred corrective tasks, including the replacement of pipes, hydraulic tests, and metallographic controls. Nevertheless, the authorities acknowledge that even if it resumes operations, the Guiteras will not be operating under optimal conditions.
“The block will be operational, but not under perfect conditions”, acknowledged Lázaro Guerra, director of Electricity at the Ministry of Energy and Mines, in statements to the newspaper Granma.
His words confirm what millions of Cubans endure daily: an infrastructure on the verge of collapse and a government that barely manages to apply temporary fixes.
The country is shut down... and angry
The shutdown of the Guiteras system has worsened an already critical situation: on Tuesday, the Electric Union reported a deficit of nearly 2,000 MW, even before this new breakdown was announced. On social media, the outrage was immediate. “Hand over the country, anyone could do better than they do!” exclaimed a user on Facebook, while others reported power cuts of up to 20 hours a day, loss of food, and lack of drinking water.
"The suffering is complete," said a resident of Cienfuegos. "We have children, elderly people confined to bed, food going to waste, and no water. What more do we have to endure?"
In Matanzas, the epicenter of the technical disaster, frustration is palpable. “With the Guiteras or without it, we continue to be without power for between 16 and 20 hours. This is a total disaster,” reported another affected individual.
The engineers working against the clock at Guiteras warn that any failure in the restart process could trigger another cycle of breakdowns. "Any sudden movement, an unexpected drop, can cause another outage," admitted Guerra. Repairs are progressing, but without guarantees.
Meanwhile, the Cuban population pays a debt that they did not incur, caught in a routine where every hour without electricity means deterioration, exhaustion, and despair. Because in today's Cuba, a blackout does not just turn off light bulbs: it turns off lives.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Crisis at the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant in Cuba
What is the current situation of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant?
The Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant faces constant breakdowns that have repeatedly removed it from the National Electric System (SEN). Despite efforts to repair it, the plant continues to operate below optimal conditions, worsening the energy crisis in Cuba.
Why does the Guiteras thermoelectric plant have so many breakdowns?
The Guiteras thermoelectric plant has not received major maintenance since its inauguration in 1989, which has led to the aging and deterioration of its infrastructure, especially in the boiler. This lack of proper maintenance contributes to its frequent failures.
What impact do the breakdowns of the Guiteras have on the Cuban population?
The breakdowns of the Guiteras have intensified blackouts in Cuba, leaving millions of people without electricity for extended periods. This severely impacts daily life, generating social discontent and protests due to the lack of effective solutions.
What measures are being taken to address the issues at Guiteras?
Corrective work and technical tests are being carried out at Guiteras, including welding and boiler control, but these measures are temporary. There is still no structural solution in sight that ensures the stability of the electricity supply.
Filed under: