The National Electric System (SEN) of Cuba remains entrenched in a severe crisis, with continuous disruptions to the power supply over the last 24 hours. This Sunday, the Electric Union (UNE) reported a generation shortfall estimated at 1,766 megawatts (MW), resulting in widespread blackouts across the country.
Unexpected Shutdowns Intensify Crisis
The situation worsened due to the unexpected shutdown of several key units within the thermal power system, including unit 1 of the Felton Thermoelectric Plant (CTE). Its disconnection significantly increased disruptions starting Saturday. Additionally, unit 5 of the Nuevitas CTE, which also went offline the previous day, further complicated the nation's energy landscape.
Continuous Failures Throughout the Nation
According to the UNE's official report, Saturday saw a continuous impact lasting 24 hours, which extended into the early hours of Sunday. The peak impact was recorded at 8:50 PM, with a shortage of 1,678 MW, greatly exceeding expectations and highlighting a worsening technical situation within the SEN.
As of 7:00 AM Sunday, energy availability was a mere 1,450 MW, against a demand of 2,500 MW, causing an immediate shortfall of 928 MW. By mid-morning, an impact of 1,350 MW was anticipated. The outlook for the evening peak was even grimmer: projected demand was 3,350 MW, with availability only reaching 1,654 MW, leading to an anticipated shortfall of 1,696 MW and an impact of up to 1,766 MW.
Main Causes: Breakdowns, Maintenance, and Fuel Shortages
The UNE detailed that several units are currently out of operation due to breakdowns. In addition to the two from the Felton and Nuevitas CTEs, block 5 of the Mariel CTE is also offline. Furthermore, three units at the Santa Cruz, Cienfuegos, and Renté thermoelectric plants are undergoing maintenance.
Beyond breakdowns and scheduled maintenance, fuel deficits and shortages of lubricants significantly affect distributed generation. In total, 77 plants are out of service due to a lack of fuel, representing a loss of 490 MW, plus an additional 54 MW from the Regla Barge. Moreover, 82 MW are unavailable due to lubricant shortages, bringing the total unavailable energy to nearly 630 MW due solely to logistical issues.
Solar Energy: A Limited Contribution
Amid the collapse, the eight new photovoltaic solar parks contributed 923.6 MWh on Saturday, an amount insufficient to alleviate the SEN's significant shortcomings, which heavily relies on traditional thermal generation.
Bleak Forecast
Despite efforts to add 150 MW through distributed generation engines currently inactive due to fuel shortages, the forecast for the coming hours offers no relief. The UNE anticipates that the disruptions will continue throughout Sunday and likely extend into the following days if offline units cannot be reinstated.
The entry to the boiler of Felton CTE 1, expected this Sunday, might provide more information on the extent of the damage, although there are no concrete timelines for its reintegration into the system.
The Public, On Edge
Meanwhile, thousands of Cubans continue to endure extensive blackouts, water supply interruptions, transportation issues, and the spoiling of refrigerated food and medication. Complaints on social media and independent platforms have surged, reflecting public frustration with a power system that offers no respite and an immediate future with no clear solutions.
With increasingly fragile generation, aging infrastructure, and a severe logistical crisis, the SEN is once again at an extremely critical juncture.
Understanding Cuba's Power Crisis
What is causing the widespread blackouts in Cuba?
The blackouts in Cuba are primarily caused by a severe power generation deficit, unexpected shutdowns of key thermal power units, and logistical challenges such as fuel and lubricant shortages.
How is solar energy contributing to Cuba's energy needs?
Although Cuba has invested in photovoltaic solar parks, their contribution remains limited, providing insufficient energy to significantly alleviate the country's large-scale energy shortages.
What are the prospects for resolving the power crisis in Cuba?
The prospects for resolving Cuba's power crisis remain bleak in the short term, with ongoing technical issues, fuel shortages, and no clear timelines for reinstating offline units.