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A few hours after the massive blackout that shook eastern Cuba, the government acknowledged this Monday that the situation of the electrical system is “difficult” and that the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant in Matanzas will have to shut down in the coming months to undergo maintenance, which indicates greater disruptions ahead.
The information was revealed by official journalist Ana Teresa Badía, who shared details of the press conference led by Lázaro Guerra Hernández, General Director of Electricity at the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM), and Alfredo López Valdés, General Director of the Electric Union of Cuba (UNE), on Facebook.
Officials admitted – or justified – that the fundamental causes of the crisis lie in the deficient capacity for generation, the lack of financing, and technological obsolescence.
In July, the ongoing instabilities at Guiteras were the primary source of blackouts, while Unit 5 at Renté was unable to integrate into the system as planned.
Deliveries of liquefied gas were also not fulfilled, which caused an increase in electricity consumption for food preparation.
Although in August the thermal and distributed generation performed better, the outage of a floating plant and fuel issues once again reduced energy availability.
Currently, the country has only two floating power plants in operation, which indicates the severity of the energy crisis.
These statements also highlight the regime's inability to fulfill the promise – unless it was a blatant manipulation – to alleviate blackouts during the summer.
Regarding renewable energy, UNE stated that the projections have been met and that 29 photovoltaic solar parks are already in operation, with another one expected to join soon.
However, they admitted that solar generation is intermittent and does not replace the degraded thermal base.
"The problem with fuel availability became particularly pronounced in July, and in August the floating plant was taken out of service. There is an effort from logistics, but the situation is difficult," the executives acknowledged.
"The workers of MINEM are sensitive, and you can be assured that we are working and will continue to do so with transparency," López affirmed.
La Guiteras, the largest thermoelectric plant in the country, has suffered years of operation without the necessary maintenance.
"The Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, located in Matanzas, needs maintenance in the coming months, and it will be done as quickly as possible," emphasized the regime's spokesperson.
The government itself admitted that for a long time it has not been able to provide the necessary maintenance to the thermal generation, which now forces unscheduled outages that will leave Cubans exposed to even longer blackouts.
Frequently asked questions about the electrical crisis in Cuba and the situation of the Antonio Guiteras power plant
Why is the electrical situation in Cuba so critical?
The electrical situation in Cuba is critical due to a deficit in generation capacity, lack of financing, and technological obsolescence. These factors have been exacerbated by fuel shortages, which severely limit the system's ability to meet the country's energy demand, especially during peak consumption months.
What is the current status of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant?
The Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric power plant, located in Matanzas, requires urgent maintenance due to years of operation without the necessary care. This plant has experienced multiple breakdowns that have impacted its generation capacity, contributing to the overall energy crisis in the country. Currently, plans are underway for its shutdown to conduct maintenance that will help restore part of its capacity.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has attempted to implement various measures, such as the development of renewable energy and the repair of generating units. However, these efforts have been insufficient to address the underlying problem due to a lack of resources and dependence on imported fuel. The situation is further complicated by the need to keep solar parks operational, which, although they have grown, do not provide stability to the system due to their intermittency.
How does the lack of fuel affect electricity generation in Cuba?
The lack of fuel is one of the most critical factors affecting electricity generation in Cuba, as it severely limits the operation of generating plants. This shortage has led to many distributed generation plants being inactive, further reducing the country’s ability to provide a stable and reliable electric service.
What impact does the electricity situation have on the daily life of Cubans?
The electricity crisis in Cuba significantly impacts the daily lives of Cubans, with prolonged blackouts affecting both homes and essential services. These power outages hinder everyday activities, disrupt food preservation, and increase social unrest, exacerbated by high temperatures and the lack of immediate solutions from the government.
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