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The Unión Eléctrica (UNE) of Cuba announced this Sunday that unit 3 of the Ernesto Che Guevara thermoelectric plant, located in Santa Cruz del Norte, Mayabeque, has been removed from the National Electric System (SEN) due to an emergency for the cleaning of the high-pressure condensers (CAR).
The company did not provide additional details about the malfunction, including the estimated downtime or the repair plan, leaving the public without clear information about the potential impact this outage could have on the electricity supply.
A history of breakdowns and damages
This new incident adds to a pattern of frequent blackouts and breakdowns that highlight the precarious state of the national energy infrastructure.
In September, as the power outages continued and public frustration grew due to the lack of effective solutions, Miguel Díaz-Canel visited the Santa Cruz del Norte plant to oversee the recovery of the National Electric System.
At that moment, unit 2 was undergoing major maintenance, which includes turbine and boiler repairs, scheduled to be completed by the end of October.
The other two units remained operational, generating 55 and 48 megawatts respectively, although their phased shutdown for cleaning and routine maintenance was anticipated.
The 3rd block, which has now gone offline, had synchronized in May after a light maintenance, but its startup did not succeed in improving the energy situation during the summer months.
An energy crisis that deepens with every unit out of operation
The lack of transparency regarding the status of the power plants and recovery times reflects the government's inability to effectively manage electricity generation, a situation that leaves millions of Cubans in a state of uncertainty regarding potential prolonged outages.
The CTE Ernesto Che Guevara is one of the key power plants in the country, and the loss of any of its units from the National Electric System (SEN) can lead to significant deficits in generation capacity.
The lack of official information also hinders the population's ability to organize in order to cope with the interruptions and increases the widespread discontent with the State's energy management.
Industry experts have warned that incidents like this are not isolated and are part of a cumulative wear and tear on equipment and structures that have not received adequate maintenance for years.
The repeated emergence of condenser washing emergencies and the sudden outages of units from the national electricity system highlight the system's vulnerability and the urgent need for a comprehensive plan that goes beyond temporary repairs.
Meanwhile, citizens remain at the mercy of power outages and deficiencies in electricity service provision, with no signs of sustainable improvements or a genuine commitment from the authorities to ensure a stable and reliable supply.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba and the Outage of Unit 3 at the Santa Cruz Power Plant
Why did unit 3 of the Santa Cruz thermoelectric plant go offline?
Unit 3 of the Ernesto Che Guevara Thermoelectric Power Plant was disconnected from the National Electric System due to an emergency for the cleaning of the high-pressure condensers. This type of maintenance is crucial to ensure the optimal functioning of the plant, but its disconnection highlights the vulnerability of the Cuban electric system.
What is the impact of the shutdown of unit 3 on Cuba's electricity supply?
The shutdown of unit 3 could lead to significant deficits in the country's electricity generation capacity. This adds to a pattern of frequent blackouts and breakdowns, increasing the risk of prolonged electricity outages that impact the daily lives of millions of Cubans.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has announced investments in maintenance and floating generation with Turkish ships, but these measures have not been enough to resolve the structural energy crisis that the country is facing. The obsolescence of the plants, lack of fuel, and poor management continue to be critical issues.
How does the lack of transparency of the UNE affect the Cuban population?
The lack of clear information about the status of the units and recovery times prevents the population from organizing to face power outages. This increases widespread discontent with the State's energy management and leaves citizens in conditions of uncertainty.
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