The Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, located in Matanzas, is gearing up for a scheduled maintenance shutdown next week. The objective is to restore at least 40 megawatts (MW) of power, according to officials during a visit by Esteban Lazo, the president of the National Assembly of People's Power. Currently, the facility operates at 210 MW, which falls short of its nominal capacity exceeding 250 MW. This shortfall is attributed to technical issues in the high-temperature reheater, causing leaks, excessive water consumption, and reduced steam availability for the turbine, as explained by plant director Rubén Campos, in comments published by the weekly Trabajadores.
Intensive Maintenance in Just 84 Hours
Journalist José Miguel Solís, from Radio 26, shared on Facebook that the maintenance process aims to match the aforementioned maximum capacity. It is planned to be accomplished in just 84 hours—slightly over three days—and might even be completed sooner, should conditions permit. The post highlighted that the schedule has been meticulously arranged to ensure access to all necessary resources and materials.
Official Visit and Worker Recognition
During his tour of the plant, Esteban Lazo engaged with the workforce, acknowledging their dedication, hard work, and commitment despite the challenging conditions of the national power system—a common theme in communist narratives. According to Prensa Latina, he also emphasized the strategic significance of the Guiteras plant in the nation's electric generation, as it represents the largest single block in Cuba's energy system. The leader listened to the technical team's concerns and suggestions, reaffirming the thermoelectric plant's crucial role in stabilizing electricity production amid the current energy shortfall.
Wednesday's Power Outages: UNE Reports Over 1,600 MW Deficit
Cuba is currently facing a severe energy crisis, marked by blackouts and a deficit reaching up to 1,767 MW on Tuesday. The shortage of fuel and issues in power plants exacerbate the situation, with no immediate solutions in sight. For Wednesday, the forecasted availability is 2,120 MW against a peak demand of 3,680 MW, resulting in a projected deficit of 1,560 MW and an estimated impact of up to 1,630 MW at that time of day.
FAQs on Cuba's Energy Crisis and Antonio Guiteras Plant
Why is the Antonio Guiteras plant undergoing maintenance?
The plant is undergoing maintenance to restore at least 40 MW of power by addressing technical issues in the high-temperature reheater that have led to leaks and reduced steam availability.
How long is the maintenance expected to take?
The maintenance is planned to last 84 hours, just over three days, but could be completed sooner if conditions allow.
What is causing Cuba's current energy crisis?
The crisis is due to a combination of factors including a shortage of fuel and technical problems in several power plants, leading to significant power deficits and blackouts.