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Two units of the Antonio Maceo Thermoelectric Power Plant, known as Renté, in Santiago de Cuba, went out of service this Sunday during a period of heavy rains in the eastern part of the country.
The Electric Union of Cuba reported on its Facebook page that at 16:07 hours Unit 3 went offline due to low vacuum, and just seven minutes later, at 16:14 hours, Unit 5 also went out of service, the cause of which is still pending identification.
The breakdown of both units occurs amid a critical situation for the national electrical system, characterized by high levels of impact in recent days.
The situation coincides with heavy rainfall in the eastern region, which has caused rivers to swell, flooding, and landslides, in addition to the
So far, it has not been specified when the damaged units might be reintegrated into generation, nor what volume of energy the loss represents for the grid.
The company stated that it will keep the public informed through its official channels.
The Renté Thermoelectric Plant continues to show signs of structural collapse. A few days ago, unit 3 went out of service again, just hours after being synchronized, due to a new malfunction that left it offline.
This failure adds to other incidents that occurred in the same block during the previous weeks, directly impacting the generation capacity in the eastern part of the country.
More recently, the thermoelectric plant lost one of its units again, further reducing the already limited contribution of Renté to the national system.
The departure of this unit coincided with reports of severe impacts in several eastern provinces, where power outages have become routine. The state company confirmed that it was unable to maintain operational stability, despite the recovery efforts that had been announced.
Amid these repeated failures, the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel promised that Renté would achieve “sustained stability” during a visit to the plant.
His statements are a mockery in light of the actual situation of the system, marked by constant interruptions, ineffective maintenance, and a growing distrust among citizens regarding official announcements.
Frequently Asked Questions about Breakdowns at the Renté Thermoelectric Plant in Cuba
Which units of the Renté Thermoelectric Plant are currently out of service?
Units 3 and 5 of the Renté Thermoelectric Plant are out of service due to recent technical failures. Unit 3 was disconnected due to a low vacuum issue, while the cause of the failure in Unit 5 is still pending identification.
What is the impact of these outages on Cuba's electrical system?
The withdrawal of Renté units worsens the energy deficit in Cuba, which already faces a generation deficit exceeding 1,700 megawatts during peak hours. This results in widespread and prolonged blackouts across various provinces in the country.
What other problems affect the National Electric Power System of Cuba?
In addition to the breakdowns at Renté, other important plants such as Felton, Mariel, and Santa Cruz also experience failures or prolonged maintenance. The Cuban electrical system is facing a structural crisis due to obsolescence, lack of proper maintenance, and fuel shortages.
What measures has the Cuban government promised to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has promised stability at the Renté Thermoelectric Plant before the end of 2025, according to statements from President Miguel Díaz-Canel. However, the reality of constant breakdowns and unfulfilled promises generates skepticism among the population.
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