Massive blackouts in Cuba: over 1,800 MW of impact expected during peak hours this Friday

Cuba will face blackouts this Friday that could exceed 1,800 MW during peak nighttime hours, according to the forecast from the National Electric System (SEN) published by the Electric Union (UNE).

For the peak of the night, a capacity of 1,198 MW is anticipated against a maximum demand of 3,000 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,802 MW, reported the UNE in a statement.

If these conditions persist, the authorities anticipate impacts of up to 1,832 MW, one of the highest levels reported in recent months.

During the early hours of this Friday, there were already interruptions in the electric service across much of the island, which led to strong protests in Matanzas and Havana.

At 6:00 AM, the availability of the SEN was 1,040 MW, while the demand reached 2,320 MW, resulting in an impact of 1,350 MW. By noon, an impact of around 1,250 MW is anticipated.

The system also faces significant limitations due to breakdowns and maintenance issues at various thermoelectric plants in the country.

The damaged units include: Unit 5 of the CTE Mariel; Unit 2 of the CTE Santa Cruz; Unit 3 of the CTE Carlos Manuel de Céspedes (Cienfuegos); Unit 2 of the CTE Felton (Holguín); and Units 3 and 6 of the CTE Antonio Maceo (Santiago de Cuba).

The Unit 6 of the Mariel CTE, Unit 5 of the Nuevitas CTE, and Unit 4 of the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes CTE are also undergoing maintenance; additionally, 412 MW are out of service.

As part of the forecast for peak hours, the commissioning of unit 3 of the Cienfuegos thermoelectric plant is expected, which could contribute 158 MW, although this would not prevent a significant generation deficit.

The UNE also reported that the 51 new photovoltaic solar parks generated 4,289 MWh on Thursday, with a maximum power output of 804 MW at noon, although this energy does not compensate for the decline in thermal generation during peak consumption hours.

Cuba is experiencing a severe energy crisis marked by the aging of thermal power plants, a lack of fuel, and frequent breakdowns, factors that result in daily blackouts in much of the country.