This Thursday, April 24, Cuba's National Electric System (SEN) continues to grapple with severe challenges that are critically impacting electricity supply across the nation. The Electric Union (UNE) has reported on the dire circumstances experienced yesterday when the power service was disrupted for 24 hours straight, a situation that persisted into the early hours of today.
At 8:10 pm, the maximum disruption reached 1901 MW, coinciding with peak consumption times. This figure marks a record deficit, which, according to official sources, was due to fuel limitations at the Melones barge.
Current Status of the National Electric System
As of 7:00 am on Thursday, the SEN reported an availability of just 1660 MW, while demand was at 2780 MW, resulting in a shortfall of 1150 MW. By midday, it is anticipated that this figure will rise to 1280 MW.
Key Incidents and Technical Failures
The failures that have significantly reduced generation capacity include malfunctions in three units at the Mariel, Nuevitas, and Felton thermal power plants (CTE). In addition, maintenance is underway on four blocks at the Santa Cruz, Cienfuegos, and Renté CTEs.
Thermal Limitations and Fuel Issues
The situation is exacerbated by a persistent lack of fuel, a recurring problem in the energy sector. It has been reported that 103 distributed generation plants, accounting for 700 MW, and four engines at the Melones barge (68 MW) are out of service due to this issue.
To make matters worse, an additional 27 MW have ceased operations due to a shortage of lubricants. Meanwhile, solar energy production from the eight new photovoltaic parks reached 1064 MWh, a figure insufficient to mitigate the overall energy deficit plaguing the country.
Forecast for Peak Hours
Authorities predict that the electricity deficit will worsen during peak hours when demand is expected to hit 3380 MW, with an anticipated availability of only 1720 MW. During this time, the Unit 5 of Nuevitas, with an additional 60 MW capacity, is expected to come online. However, despite this contribution, the shortfall will be 1660 MW, meaning the impact could reach 1730 MW if conditions do not improve.
Critical Situation and Urgent Need for Solutions
The current situation highlights a prolonged energy crisis fueled by a mix of technical failures, fuel shortages, and logistical issues within the energy sector. The lack of short-term solutions jeopardizes the stability of the electric system, affecting both households and industries that rely on a steady power supply.
The government and energy sector authorities must urgently address these structural deficiencies and ensure adequate access to necessary resources to prevent a larger collapse in the electric service in the coming days.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What is causing the current power shortages in Cuba?
The power shortages are primarily due to technical failures, fuel limitations, and logistical challenges within the country's energy sector.
How is the government responding to the energy crisis?
The government is expected to address the structural deficiencies and ensure access to resources to stabilize the electric system, though immediate solutions have yet to be implemented.