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The Electric Union (UNE) reported this Monday that the electricity service in Cuba was affected for 24 hours on Sunday, with a maximum deficit of 1,764 megawatts (MW) at 6:10 PM, leading to widespread blackouts across the country.
According to the official report, the situation of the National Electric System (SEN) remains critical. At six in the morning on January 20, the availability was just 1,180 MW compared to a demand of 2,100 MW, resulting in a shortfall of 879 MW. The UNE anticipates that during the daytime hours, the shortfalls could reach 1,250 MW.
The statement indicates that solar generation contributed 2,085 megawatt-hours (MWh) thanks to the 38 new photovoltaic parks installed in the country, with a maximum capacity of 398 MW during peak irradiation hours. However, this contribution remains insufficient to meet national demand.
Out of service thermal power plants
The UNE reported malfunctions in units 5 and 8 of the Mariel thermoelectric power plant (CTE), unit 3 of the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes CTE (Cienfuegos), unit 2 of the Felton CTE (Holguín), and units 3 and 5 of the Antonio Maceo CTE (Santiago de Cuba). Additionally, unit 2 of the Santa Cruz del Norte CTE and unit 4 of the Céspedes CTE remain under maintenance.
The technical limitations in thermal generation amount to 548 MW, while issues arising from a lack of fuel affect an additional 1,228 MW, including 101 distributed generation plants, 40 MW from the Patana de Regla, 105 MW from the Fuel de Mariel, and 156 MW that remain unavailable due to a lack of lubricants.
Forecast for peak hours
The UNE anticipates the commissioning of unit 8 of the CTE Mariel, currently in the startup process, which could provide 60 MW, in addition to 40 MW from the Patana de Regla and 105 MW from the Fuel de Mariel. Nonetheless, the forecast for peak hours indicates 1,325 MW available against an estimated demand of 3,150 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,825 MW.
"Should the expected conditions persist, a disruption of 1,855 MW is forecasted during peak hours," the state-owned company warned, confirming that the country will face another day of widespread blackouts.
The prolonged deterioration of the SEN, combined with a lack of maintenance and fuel, keeps Cuba in a chronic energy crisis that directly impacts the economy and daily life of the population.
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