The energy crisis in Cuba shows no signs of letting up. The country remains immersed in widespread blackouts, exacerbated by the deterioration of the national electrical system, a lack of fuel, and limited generation capacity.
The Unión Eléctrica (UNE) reported that the electrical service was affected for 24 hours on September 21 and had not been restored by early Monday morning. The highest recorded impact was 1,733 MW at 8:40 p.m.
Regarding the contribution of the 31 solar photovoltaic parks, the production reached 2,989 MWh, with a maximum power output of 462 MW during midday hours.
Critical state of the SEN
The availability of the National Electric System (SEN) at 6:00 a.m. on September 22 was only 1,730 MW, compared to an estimated demand of 3,000 MW, resulting in a generation deficit of 1,270 MW. By noon, the estimated impact is expected to be 1,200 MW.
Among the main causes of the energy collapse are:
- Failures in unit 2 of the CTE Felton, unit 6 of the CTE Nuevitas, and unit 6 of the CTE Rente.
- Units under maintenance: unit 2 of the CTE Santa Cruz and unit 4 of the CTE Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, in Cienfuegos.
- Thermal limitations that keep 527 MW out of service.
- Lack of fuel and lubricant in 53 distributed generation plants, with 501 MW affected by this issue.
Forecast for peak hours this Monday
The entry of 100 MW from currently inactive engines due to a lack of fuel is expected, along with the restart of unit 6 of the Nuevitas CTE with 90 MW. Nonetheless, the total availability would only reach 1,910 MW against an estimated peak demand of 3,500 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,590 MW.
However, the authorities warn that the impact during peak hours could reach 1,660 MW if current conditions persist.
Havana: prolonged blackouts with no solution
The Electric Company of Havana reported that service was interrupted at 3:16 p.m. on Sunday, and as of the closing of this notice, it had not been possible to restore it. The maximum impact was 227 MW at 7:00 p.m., affecting all six blocks of the city.
The persistence of these conditions once again brings to the forefront the question that many Cubans repeat daily on social media and in protests on the streets of the country: How long will the blackouts in Cuba last?
Frequently Asked Questions about Blackouts in Cuba
What are the main causes of blackouts in Cuba?
The main causes of blackouts in Cuba are the deterioration of the national electric system, lack of fuel, and thermal limitations. Specifically, reports indicate breakdowns in key units of thermoelectric plants, prolonged maintenance, and a critical shortage of fuel affecting multiple distributed generation plants.
How does the lack of electricity generation affect daily life in Cuba?
The lack of electricity generation in Cuba severely affects daily life, causing interruptions in water supply, food storage, and the functioning of basic services such as education and transportation. Prolonged blackouts also impact the health and well-being of the population.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has attempted to alleviate the energy crisis by scheduling maintenance for thermal power plants and installing photovoltaic solar parks. However, these efforts have not been enough to resolve the electricity generation deficit, as the infrastructure remains vulnerable and dependent on fossil fuels.
Is solar energy sufficient to cover the electricity deficit in Cuba?
Although new photovoltaic solar parks have been incorporated in Cuba, solar energy is not enough to cover the electricity deficit. The production from these parks remains limited in light of the magnitude of the issue, and it fails to compensate for the deterioration of the national power grid.
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