The energy crisis in Cuba continues to escalate as the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant has been taken offline, exacerbating the ongoing power generation crisis. Official figures from the Unión Eléctrica (UNE) reveal that the situation on Monday is dire, with the capacity deficit exceeding 1,800 megawatts (MW).
Yesterday, the electricity supply was disrupted for the entire day, and the predicament persisted into the early hours of today. The peak shortfall recorded was 1,732 MW at 10:40 PM, coinciding with the highest demand period, and it surpassed projections due to fuel shortages at the Havana barges.
Solar Power: Insufficient Support Amid Collapse
Throughout the day, the 21 newly installed photovoltaic solar parks contributed 2,253 MWh to the grid, reaching a peak capacity of 505 MW around noon. However, this contribution falls short of meeting the growing deficit.
As of 7:00 AM on Monday, the National Electric System (SEN) had a capacity of 1,925 MW against a demand of 2,750 MW, resulting in a deficit of 873 MW. By midday, an impact of 980 MW is anticipated. The evening peak hours are expected to bring even more severe challenges, with the UNE forecasting a capacity of 1,925 MW against a demand of 3,680 MW, leading to a deficit of 1,755 MW and an anticipated impact of 1,825 MW, assuming conditions remain unchanged.
Major Power Plants Out of Service
Currently, the following units are non-operational due to malfunctions:
- Unit 2 of the CTE Felton
- Unit 3 of the CTE Renté
Undergoing maintenance are:
- Unit 2 of the CTE Santa Cruz
- Unit 4 of the CTE Cienfuegos
- Unit 5 of the CTE Renté
Additionally, the CTE Antonio Guiteras unit in Matanzas was shut down Monday morning for a scheduled four-day maintenance intervention. The thermal generation limitations amount to 410 MW, and 81 distributed generation plants are out of service due to fuel shortages, causing a 681 MW shortfall.
Guiteras: A Critical Halt Amid the Energy Collapse
The Antonio Guiteras Power Plant, one of the most significant in the country, has been operating at just 210 MW, far below its nominal capacity of over 250 MW, due to technical issues with the high-temperature reheater, causing leaks, excessive water consumption, and reduced steam for the turbine, explained Rubén Campos, the plant's director, to the weekly publication Trabajadores.
The maintenance work initiated today aims to restore at least 40 MW of power and is scheduled for an intensive 84-hour period, slightly over three days. According to journalist José Miguel Solís of Radio 26, the process has been meticulously planned to ensure the availability of all necessary resources and materials. In a Facebook post, the journalist suggested that the timeline might be shortened if conditions allow.
Understanding Cuba's Power Issues
What is causing the power deficit in Cuba?
The power deficit in Cuba is primarily due to the shutdown of key power plants, insufficient fuel supplies, and technical problems in existing facilities.
How are solar power installations contributing to the grid?
Solar power installations are providing some relief by contributing 2,253 MWh, but this is not enough to meet the significant power deficit.
What measures are being taken to address the power shortage?
Scheduled maintenance and repairs, such as those at the Antonio Guiteras plant, aim to restore power capacity and improve the situation.