As Cuba's electrical generation shortfall edges dangerously close to 1,000 MW, the situation has worsened due to a recent malfunction at the Lidio Ramón Pérez Thermoelectric Plant, commonly known as Felton. The plant was taken offline following a boiler failure, exacerbating the country's ongoing energy crisis.
Erick Milanés Quinzán, the plant's general director, spoke with state media representative Emilio Rodríguez Pupo, initially describing the difficulty in assessing the damage because of high-pressure steam obscuring the area. "We initially thought it was a section of the tube wall," Milanés Quinzán stated, "but as the steam began to clear, it appears to be an issue with the boiler's drainage, which would be easier to fix."
Repairing a breach in the tube wall could have taken four to five days. However, should the problem be confined to the boiler's external drainage, the repair time could be significantly reduced. "Assuming no additional collateral damage, repairs might take less than 48 hours. We are giving ourselves that time frame as a buffer since we still need to inspect the area for potential damage to adjacent pipes," he added.
As the steam cloud dissipated in the afternoon, technicians were able to begin more precise inspections of the affected area. Meanwhile, Cuban citizens, already accustomed to long daily blackouts, have turned to social media to vent their frustration. The energy authorities, however, remain silent on any potential long-term solutions.
Understanding Cuba's Electrical Challenges
What caused the recent outage at the Felton power plant?
The outage was triggered by a malfunction in the boiler system of the Felton power plant. Initially believed to be a tube wall issue, it was later identified as a problem with the boiler's drainage system.
How long will the repairs at Felton take?
If the issue is confined to the boiler's drainage, repairs are expected to take less than 48 hours, provided there are no further complications.
How is the public reacting to the energy crisis in Cuba?
Cuban citizens, already used to long power outages, have expressed their frustration on social media. The authorities have not provided any updates on long-term solutions to the crisis.