Seven thermoelectric units out of service and nearly 2,000 MW of blackouts expected this Saturday in Cuba

Cuba's National Electric System (SEN) faces a critical situation this Saturday, with seven thermal power units out of service and a generation deficit that could leave the Island with nearly 2,000 MW of shortfall during peak demand hours.

According to the informative note from Unión Eléctrica (UNE), on Friday the service was disrupted for the entire 24 hours, with a peak impact of 2,021 MW at 6:10 PM.

On the morning of this Saturday, the availability of the SEN was 1,380 MW, while the demand was at 2,350 MW, leaving 995 MW affected by capacity deficit.

During peak hours, a reduction of 1,100 MW is projected.

Among the main issues that keep generation capacity limited are breakdowns in three units of the Máximo Gómez (Mariel), Lidio Ramón Pérez (Felton), and Antonio Maceo (Renté) power plants.

Additionally, four other units are out of service for maintenance at the CTE Mariel, Santa Cruz, and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes in Cienfuegos.

This is in addition to 532 MW affected by limitations in thermal generation.

The problems caused by a lack of fuel also exacerbate the situation: 87 distributed generation plants with 842 MW, 150 MW at the Moa Fuel Plant, and 95 MW unavailable due to a lack of lubricant, totaling 1,087 MW affected by these issues.

For the peak hours this Saturday, the entry of unit 3 from CTE Renté is expected with 45 MW, and unit 8 from CTE Mariel with 50 MW, both in the startup process.

With these figures, the projected availability will be 1,475 MW, compared to a peak demand of 3,400 MW, resulting in an estimated deficit of 1,925 MW and an impact of 1,955 MW if current conditions persist.

The solar generation from the 33 new photovoltaic parks contributed 2,790 MWh, with a maximum output of 502 MW during peak hours, but these figures are insufficient to meet the demand.

For its part, the Electric Company of Havana reported that on Friday, service in the capital was affected for 18 hours and 44 minutes, with a peak impact of 321 MW at 6:30 PM.

The supply was restored at 2:23 AM on Saturday, although several blocks remain affected due to low availability in generation.

The authorities reiterated that the impacts will depend on the demands of the SEN, highlighting the vulnerability of the Cuban electrical system and the fragility of the energy infrastructure in the face of failures, maintenance issues, and fuel problems.