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A deficit exceeding 1,600 megawatts (MW) continues to cause power outages across the country, according to the official report published this Tuesday by the Electric Union (UNE), which confirms ongoing disruptions over the past 24 hours.
On Monday, the National Electric System (SEN) experienced service outages throughout the day and into the early hours of Tuesday. The highest recorded impact was 1,709 MW at 8:30 PM, which did not coincide with peak hours.
Insufficient production
The availability of the SEN at 6:00 a.m. this Tuesday was just 2,130 MW against a demand of 3,345 MW, resulting in a capacity deficit of 1,235 MW. The UNE predicts that during the average daytime hours, the shortfall could reach 1,320 MW.
Although the 25 new photovoltaic solar parks generated 2,613 MWh, peaking at 552 MW during midday, this contribution does not alleviate the structural deficit of the system.
Main causes of the energy collapse
The UNE report lists a series of faults and maintenance issues in several thermal power plants as the cause of the collapse:
- Units out of service due to breakdown: Unit 3 of the Renté CTE and Unit 2 of the Felton CTE.
- Under maintenance: Unit 2 of the CTE Santa Cruz, Unit 4 of the CTE Carlos Manuel de Céspedes in Cienfuegos, and Unit 5 of the CTE Renté.
- Thermal limitations: 456 MW out of service.
- Fuel shortage: 39 distributed generation plants are out of service, resulting in a loss of 196 MW.
Forecast for the peak hours this Tuesday
The UNE estimates that during peak hours (nighttime), only 80 MW will be supplied from distributed generation engines that are currently inactive due to a lack of fuel.
The estimated maximum demand during that time is 3,800 MW, while the availability will barely reach 2,230 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,590 MW. Therefore, a nationwide impact of 1,660 MW is forecasted for the night.
The Electric Company of Havana reported that in the capital, the service was interrupted since 2:00 p.m. on Monday, with a maximum impact of 56 MW at 8:30 p.m. The service was restored at 12:53 a.m. on Tuesday.
Although interruptions had been planned for several city blocks (blocks 1, 2, 6, and the reserve block), it ultimately was not necessary to carry out those cuts during the early morning, according to the company's informative note.
Frequently Asked Questions about Energy Deficits and Blackouts in Cuba
What is the main cause of the energy deficit in Cuba?
The energy deficit in Cuba is due to a combination of factors, including breakdowns in several thermoelectric plants, scheduled maintenance of other units, and the lack of fuel affecting the distributed generation plants. The obsolescence of the Cuban electrical system exacerbates the situation, resulting in prolonged and frequent blackouts throughout the country.
What impact does solar energy have on the Cuban electrical system?
Although solar photovoltaic parks in Cuba have increased their production, solar energy is still not sufficient to cover the structural deficit of the National Electric System (SEN). The solar parks contribute a modest amount of energy, which does not offset the declines in conventional thermal generation, especially during peak demand hours.
What has been the official response of the Cuban government to the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has acknowledged the magnitude of the problem, but the proposed measures have not succeeded in resolving the energy crisis. A strategy has been announced to increase the generation of renewable energy, primarily solar, but short-term structural solutions have yet to be implemented. The lack of investment, along with the deterioration of infrastructure, continues to limit the electrical system's ability to respond.
How do power outages affect daily life in Cuba?
Power outages in Cuba have a significant impact on the daily life of the population, affecting not only homes but also the operation of essential services, industries, and transportation. Prolonged and frequent power cuts have caused discomfort and challenges for Cubans, who face entire days without electricity in the midst of an extremely hot climate.
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