The Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant, recognized as Cuba's most crucial energy facility, was disconnected from the National Electric System (SEN) this Monday for what the government describes as "scheduled maintenance." This occurs amidst a backdrop of reduced blackouts due to May Day celebrations and an ongoing crisis characterized by fuel shortages and the severe decay of Cuba's energy infrastructure.
The Electric Union (UNE) announced the plant's disconnection at 8:15 AM, despite the fact that the current system's capacity fails to meet national demand. The maintenance is anticipated to last at least five days, suggesting a week of significant power outages across the nation.
Planned Maintenance with Immediate Goals
Official journalist José Miguel Solís referred to the operation as "light maintenance" aimed at boosting generation capacity, with the goal of reintegrating the plant into the system by Saturday. Engineer Román Pérez Castañeda, the technical director, explained that over 600 corrective actions will be undertaken, primarily focusing on the boiler. The intention is to repair the high-temperature reheater, which causes water consumption to exceed fifty cubic meters per hour, as well as clean the convective and radiant shafts and the regenerative air heaters.
The maintenance will also address turbine valves and feedwater pumps, with teams from the Electric Power Plant Maintenance companies in Felton, Havana, and Santa Cruz del Norte participating in the efforts.
Severe Energy Shortages and Widespread Blackouts
In an official statement released Monday, the UNE predicted an evening generation shortfall of 1,680 megawatts (MW), with an available capacity of just 1,790 MW against a demand of 3,400 MW. Power interruptions began in the early hours and are expected to persist throughout the day, echoing Sunday's pattern of 24-hour outages, which peaked at 1,450 MW affected at 8:50 PM.
A Critical Facility in Decline
The Antonio Guiteras plant, located in Matanzas, is regarded as the backbone of Cuba's thermal power generation. In 2024, it managed to stay operational for 323 days, generating over 1.8 million megawatt hours, despite clear technical limitations. Cuban authorities initially planned for the Guiteras to undergo maintenance "by the end of 2025." This was to be its first comprehensive review in years. However, Solís reported that this extensive work has been delayed.
"Regarding the much-awaited major maintenance that would place the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant in Matanzas in better condition, the specialist announced that funding has been secured and arrangements with suppliers are underway for execution in the first quarter of next year," Solís stated.
An Unstable Energy System
Since 2002, the Guiteras has been running on Cuban crude oil and is considered one of the nation's most efficient plants, with a specific consumption of 238 grams per kilowatt hour. However, its stability has been fragile, with unexpected outages leading to widespread blackouts, such as those in October and December 2024, when its disconnection caused full system collapses.
Meanwhile, energy output from the country's nine solar photovoltaic parks barely surpasses 900 MWh, which is insufficient to meet the rising demand. The Guiteras' temporary disconnection not only significantly reduces the system's operational capacity but also leaves the country vulnerable to prolonged and widespread blackouts amid one of its most severe economic and energy crises in recent history.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
Why is the Antonio Guiteras Power Plant crucial for Cuba?
The Antonio Guiteras Power Plant is vital because it is the backbone of Cuba's thermal power generation. It has a significant role in maintaining the country's electricity supply, especially given the current deficiencies in the energy infrastructure.
What are the expected consequences of the plant's maintenance?
The planned maintenance is expected to lead to a week of severe power outages across the country, as the National Electric System will operate with reduced capacity, unable to meet the national demand.
How is the Cuban energy system coping with the current demand?
The Cuban energy system is struggling to cope with current demand, with generation shortfalls and insufficient contributions from solar photovoltaic parks leading to widespread blackouts.