Related videos:
The chronic instability of the Antonio Maceo Thermoelectric Power Plant, known as Renté, was once again evident this Wednesday when the Unit 3 went out of service just an hour after synchronization, thus extending the energy crisis in Santiago de Cuba.
The Unión Eléctrica (UNE) reported through Facebook that at 6:49 PM, Unit 3 went offline due to "low vacuum," just 89 minutes after being brought online to the National Electric System (SEN).
At 5:20 PM, Unit 3 came online, and shortly after, at 5:38 PM, Unit 6 was synchronized, which was initially announced as a relief for generation in the eastern part of the country.
Ephemeral optimism and prolonged blackouts
The UNE's announcements generated more skepticism than relief: the public no longer trusts the synchronization updates from Renté, due to their repeated unexpected outages.
Unit 3, in particular, has been the focus of several similar incidents in recent days. Last Sunday, at 16:07, it also went offline due to low vacuum, and seven minutes later, at 16:14, Unit 5 was taken out of operation for reasons that were "pending identification" at that time.
A history of constant failures
The general director of the plant, Jesús Aguilar Hernández, explained to the official press on Tuesday that the blocks 3, 5, and 6 were out of operation due to the recent heavy rains, while technical crews were attempting to start Unit 6 to contribute about 50 MW to the SEN, which was achieved the following day.
Just a week ago, Unit 5 went out of service due to a leak at the water station, adding to the long list of incidents that keep Renté as one of the most vulnerable points in the Cuban electrical system.
Unbacked promises
This series of breakdowns coincided with a visit from the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel to the thermoelectric plant, where he promised improvements by the end of the year. However, neither the official speech has succeeded in conveying confidence, nor do the facts support any optimistic narrative: “practice is the criterion of truth,” and the reality has been clear.
Meanwhile, the people of Santiago continue to face endless power outages, in a scenario where technical solutions are increasingly precarious and the credibility of the electrical system is at its lowest point.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
Why does the Renté thermoelectric power plant suffer from so many failures?
The Renté thermoelectric plant, like many other facilities in Cuba, faces a state of technological obsolescence and lack of comprehensive maintenance, resulting in constant breakdowns. The shortage of spare parts and the precarious conditions further exacerbate the situation, keeping the plant in a cycle of continuous repairs and failures.
What is the impact of the failures in Renté on the electricity supply in Cuba?
The frequent failures at the Renté thermoelectric plant significantly contribute to the national energy crisis, causing prolonged blackouts that impact the daily lives of millions of Cubans. These interruptions in the electricity supply are due to a generation shortfall in the National Electric System (SEN).
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has announced commitments to repairs and new investments in solar energy, but the results have been insufficient to address the structural crisis of the electrical system. The lack of funding and the withdrawal of floating barges due to unpaid debts have limited the capacity for effective response.
How has the population reacted to the energy situation in Cuba?
The Cuban population has expressed a growing discontent and skepticism towards the government's unfulfilled promises. The phrase "We Are Continuity!" has been reinterpreted as a denunciation of the system, reflecting the collective frustration towards the ongoing blackouts and the lack of real solutions.
Filed under: