The energy crisis gripping Cuba has reached another critical point this Tuesday, with widespread blackouts affecting the entire nation. Yesterday, electricity service was disrupted for 24 hours and continued to be affected throughout the early hours of today. The peak blackout volume reached 1,736 MW at 7:50 p.m., aligning with the time of highest demand. Although this was slightly below the 1,858 MW forecasted by the Unión Eléctrica (UNE), the figure remains alarmingly high.
At 7:00 a.m. today, the system's availability stood at a mere 1,480 MW, while demand exceeded 2,600 MW, resulting in an immediate shortfall of 1,147 MW. It's anticipated that by midday, blackouts could reach around 1,400 MW, a significant daytime figure. However, the situation appears even more dire when projected into the evening, with expected peak demand of 3,350 MW and availability at only 1,752 MW, leading to a deficit of 1,598 MW. Overall, the peak nighttime deficit could reach up to 1,668 MW.
Infrastructure Failures and Fuel Shortages
The report highlights a series of breakdowns and maintenance issues that continue to undermine the National Electric System's (SEN) capacity. Out of operation due to faults are Unit 5 of the CTE Mariel, Unit 5 of the CTE Nuevitas, and Units 1 and 2 of the CTE Felton. Meanwhile, ongoing maintenance affects Unit 2 of the CTE Santa Cruz, Units 3 and 4 of the CTE Cienfuegos, and Unit 5 of the CTE Renté, coupled with a 232 MW limitation in thermal generation.
A total of 62 distributed generation plants (474 MW) are offline due to fuel shortages. Additionally, 32 MW are unavailable due to the lack of lubricants. The entry of Unit 1 of Felton with 205 MW and Unit 3 of Renté with 67 MW is expected for the peak period. These were identified as "reliefs" for the day by Lázaro Guerra Hernández, the general director of Electricity at the Ministry of Energy and Mines, during his daily appearance on Cuban television.
Solar Power: An Insufficient Relief
The technical report also spotlighted the production of 986 megawatt-hours (MWh) generated by the eight new photovoltaic solar parks. While this represents progress in diversifying the energy matrix, it is clearly insufficient given the current deficit's magnitude.
An Unresolved Crisis
The reality of the SEN reveals a deep-seated structural and operational crisis with no immediate solution in sight. Despite government calls for energy efficiency and a push for renewable sources, the nation's infrastructure, aged and reliant on fossil fuels, remains highly susceptible to technical failures and resource scarcity.
Meanwhile, Cuban citizens endure another day of prolonged blackouts, with no concrete timeline for a sustained recovery of the electric service. What has become routine for many—the return of candles, blackouts during dinner, and fans stopping on hot nights—has once again become a symbol of a country still struggling to keep the lights on.
Understanding Cuba's Ongoing Energy Crisis
What is causing the current energy crisis in Cuba?
The crisis is primarily due to structural failures in the electricity system, maintenance issues, and a lack of fuel and lubricants.
How is the government addressing the electricity shortages?
The government has called for energy efficiency and is promoting renewable sources, but the outdated infrastructure remains a significant challenge.
What role does solar energy play in Cuba's energy strategy?
Solar energy is part of Cuba's strategy to diversify its energy sources, but current solar production is insufficient to meet the country's needs.
When can Cuban citizens expect stable electricity service?
There is no concrete timeline for when stable electricity service will be restored, as the crisis continues without a short-term solution.