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Cuba is once again facing a critical day of widespread blackouts due to a deficit in electricity generation of around 2,000 MW, as reported this Monday by the Electric Union (UNE) in its daily report on the situation of the National Electric System (SEN).
On Sunday, September 15, disruptions were reported for 24 hours, and by early Monday morning, service had still not been restored in several areas of the country. The highest impact due to generation deficit was recorded at 8:40 p.m., when 1941 MW lost electrical service, a figure higher than expected due to the unexpected shutdown of unit 5 of the CTE Renté.
The estimated availability of the SEN for 6:00 a.m. this Monday was 1560 MW, compared to a demand of 3000 MW, resulting in an impact of 1470 MW due to capacity deficit. By noon, a similar impact of 1450 MW was forecasted.
In the peak nighttime hours, the situation could worsen: the UNE projects a capacity of 1690 MW against a demand of 3500 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1810 MW and anticipated impacts of up to 1880 MW.
The Electric Company of Havana reported that on Sunday, there were disruptions to the electricity service for 24 hours. At 8:10 p.m., a peak disruption of 181 MW was reported, affecting all six electrical blocks of the capital. At the close of their informational report at midnight, the service had not yet been fully restored. The company acknowledged that it was not possible to meet the planned schedule due to the significant deficit in the National Electric System.
The units out of service due to malfunction include unit 5 of the Nuevitas thermoelectric plant, unit 3 of the Renté thermoelectric plant, and unit 2 of the Felton thermoelectric plant. Under maintenance are unit 5 of the Mariel thermoelectric plant, unit 1 of the Felton thermoelectric plant, unit 2 of the Santa Cruz thermoelectric plant, and unit 4 of the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes thermoelectric plant in Cienfuegos. Additionally, there are 334 MW out of service due to thermal limitations.
In addition, there are issues related to fuel. Currently, 33 distributed generation plants are out of service due to lack of fuel, which accounts for 178 MW, and another 148 MW are unavailable due to a shortage of lubricant.
Although the country has 30 photovoltaic solar parks that generated 2900 MWh on the previous day, with a peak generation of 462 MW, this source does not manage to offset the growing structural deficit of the system.
Energy authorities have reiterated that the disruptions will continue to depend on the demands of the National Electric System (SEN), and it will not always be possible to adhere to the schedules set in local forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Mass Blackouts in Cuba
What is the main cause of the massive blackouts in Cuba?
The main reason for power outages in Cuba is the electricity generation deficit, which reaches figures close to 2,000 megawatts (MW). This deficit is exacerbated by breakdowns and maintenance issues in various thermoelectric units, as well as by the lack of fuel that keeps many distributed generation plants out of service.
Which electrical units are affected by breakdowns and maintenance?
Currently, the units out of service due to failure include unit 5 of the Nuevitas CTE, unit 3 of the Renté CTE, and unit 2 of the Felton CTE. Under maintenance are unit 5 of the Mariel CTE, unit 1 of Felton, unit 2 of Santa Cruz, and unit 4 of the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes CTE. These technical incidents significantly contribute to the electricity generation deficit in the country.
How does the lack of fuel affect electricity generation in Cuba?
The lack of fuel is a critical factor that severely impacts electricity generation in Cuba. Currently, 33 distributed generation plants are out of service due to fuel shortages, resulting in a loss of 178 MW. Additionally, there are 148 MW unavailable due to a shortage of lubricant, further exacerbating the situation of the National Electric System (SEN).
What is the role of solar energy in Cuba's energy situation?
Cuba has 30 photovoltaic solar parks that produced 2,900 MWh on the previous day, peaking at a generation of 462 MW. However, this source cannot offset the growing structural deficit of the electrical system, which remains dependent on thermoelectric plants and the availability of fossil fuels.
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