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The (UNE) reported on November 27 that the National Electric System (SEN) continues to be in a critical situation, with disruptions occurring throughout the previous 24 hours and a generation deficit that reached 1,799 megawatts (MW) at 7:00 p.m.
The availability of the SEN at 6:00 a.m. this Thursday was 1,424 MW, compared to a demand of 2,409 MW, resulting in an impact of 948 MW due to capacity deficit. The UNE anticipates that around noon, the impact will remain close to 950 MW.
The note also highlights that the 33 new photovoltaic solar parks in the country contributed 2,923 megawatt-hours (MWh) on Wednesday, with a peak capacity of 518 MW at noon, although their impact remains insufficient in light of the collapse of the thermoelectric system and the lack of fuel.
Breakdowns and maintenance exacerbate the crisis
Among the main incidents reported, UNE mentions the breakdown of Unit 6 at the Antonio Maceo Thermal Power Plant in Santiago de Cuba, and Unit 2 at the Felton Thermal Power Plant in Holguín.
In addition, Unit 5 of the Mariel Thermoelectric Power Plant, Unit 2 of the Santa Cruz Thermoelectric Power Plant, and Unit 4 of the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Thermoelectric Power Plant in Cienfuegos are undergoing scheduled maintenance.
The limitations in thermal generation total 546 MW out of service, and issues related to fuel shortages are severely impacting distributed generation
- 94 power plants out of service (846 MW).
- Moa site engines halted (100 MW).
- 63 MW unavailable due to lack of lubricant.
In total, 1,009 MW are inactive due to a fuel shortage, reflecting the ongoing deterioration of the national energy system.
Forecast for peak hours: More power outages
For the peak nighttime hours, the UNE anticipates a capacity of only 1,524 MW against an estimated demand of 3,250 MW, which indicates a deficit of 1,726 MW.
If the conditions persist, the outages could reach 1,796 MW, meaning that most of the country will experience power outages for several hours again.
In Havana, the reported disruptions of up to 256 MW at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, with blackouts lasting until 1:20 a.m. and new interruptions occurring in the early morning, between 6:07 and 7:32 a.m.
Despite announcements regarding the addition of new solar parks, Cuba's energy situation shows no signs of improvement. The structural deficit, constant breakdowns, and lack of fuel keep the population in a state of prolonged blackouts, even in the capital.
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