The Electric Union (UNE) announced this Saturday that Cuba is still grappling with widespread power outages, and there are no tangible signs of improvement. According to the official report from the National Electric System (SEN), the country has been experiencing continuous power disruptions since Friday. As of 11:20 pm, during peak demand hours, power cuts reached 1757 MW, exceeding the planned outages due to the non-operation of Unit 5 at the Mariel Thermoelectric Plant (CTE) and an unexpected shutdown of Unit 6 at the same facility.
By 7:00 am, a capacity deficit resulted in over 1148 MW being affected, and it is predicted that by midday, the impact could rise to 1200 MW.
System Failure and Lack of Resources
The energy crisis can be attributed to critical breakdowns, scheduled maintenance, and a severe shortage of fuel. The thermoelectric plants, which are central to Cuba's power generation, are in a state of ongoing deterioration. Currently, two units at the Mariel CTE and one at the Felton plant are out of service due to failures. Additionally, four units at the Santa Cruz, Cienfuegos, Diez de Octubre, and Renté CTEs are undergoing maintenance.
There is also a thermal limitation of 389 MW, further destabilizing the SEN. Perhaps the most concerning issue is the fuel shortage, which has left 50 distributed generation plants inoperative, taking 542 MW offline due to a lack of fuel oil, diesel, and lubricating oil. For instance, the Moa plant has lost 119 MW, and another 80 MW are down due to an absence of oil.
Solar Energy: A Drop in the Ocean
Amid the chaos, UNE highlights that 16 new photovoltaic solar parks produced 1528 MWh in the last 24 hours, achieving a peak output of 367 MW. However, this contribution is inadequate to address the shortfall and cannot ensure stability during nighttime when demand peaks without renewable energy support.
Endless Blackouts and Silence from the Government
Tonight's outlook is even bleaker: availability is forecasted at 1930 MW against a demand of 3450 MW, leaving a deficit of 1520 MW and an expected impact of 1590 MW. This means millions of Cubans will endure another night in darkness, facing high temperatures, water shortages, and halted services.
The ongoing energy crisis shows no signs of abating, and the government has yet to provide substantial solutions, often blaming the U.S. embargo while promising investments that never materialize. Meanwhile, citizens remain trapped in cycles of over 20-hour blackouts, spoiled food, and untenable living conditions.
Already burdened by inflation, food shortages, and a failing transportation system, the Cuban population faces relentless power cuts with no end in sight. The state, instead of taking responsibility or offering a realistic recovery plan, remains silent, leaving the nation literally in the dark.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What is causing the ongoing power outages in Cuba?
The power outages are primarily due to critical breakdowns in thermoelectric plants, scheduled maintenance, and a severe shortage of fuel.
How much power is Cuba losing due to fuel shortages?
Cuba is losing 542 MW of power due to fuel shortages affecting 50 distributed generation plants.
Are solar energy solutions helping mitigate the crisis?
While solar parks generated 1528 MWh in the last 24 hours, this is insufficient to cover the deficit and does not provide stability during high-demand nighttime hours.