The Cuban electrical grid remains in a precarious state. The Electric Union (UNE) announced that on Saturday, the power supply was disrupted throughout the entire day and continued to be unstable into the early hours of Sunday. Widespread power outages are affecting the entire nation. On July 19, at 10:50 p.m., the deficit in generation capacity reached its peak at 1,897 megawatts (MW), despite an anticipated energy demand of 1,500 MW.
Insufficient Solar Production
While the newly established 22 photovoltaic solar parks produced 2,557 megawatt-hours (MWh) with a maximum output of 482 MW, this renewable source fell short of meeting the needs of the overburdened system. As of 7:00 a.m. today, the National Electric System (SEN) had a mere availability of 1,746 MW against a demand of 3,273 MW, resulting in a capacity deficit affecting 1,590 MW. By noon, this shortfall is expected to hover around 1,400 MW.
Power Plants Out of Action and Fuel Shortages
Several key factors contributing to the crisis include failures in multiple generating units:
- Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant
- Unit 1 of the Santa Cruz Thermoelectric Plant
- Unit 2 of the Felton Thermoelectric Plant
- Unit 6 of the Renté Thermoelectric Plant
Furthermore, some units are undergoing scheduled maintenance:
- Unit 2 of Santa Cruz
- Unit 4 of Cienfuegos
- Unit 5 of Renté
Adding to the strain are 285 MW sidelined due to thermal restrictions, alongside fuel shortages impacting 81 distributed generation facilities (712 MW affected) and the Regla power barge, where seven engines are out of service (53 MW). The outlook for Sunday’s peak hours remains bleak. A partial recovery in capacity is anticipated with an additional 100 MW from distributed generation engines, 70 MW from the reactivation of Unit 1 at Santa Cruz, and 20 MW from three engines on the Regla barge.
Nevertheless, UNE projects a total availability of 1,936 MW against a peak demand of 3,700 MW, indicating a deficit of 1,764 MW and potential disruptions affecting up to 1,834 MW during peak times, unless conditions improve.
Frequently Asked Questions on Cuba's Power Crisis
What is the current status of Cuba's electric grid?
Cuba's electric grid is experiencing significant disruptions, with widespread power outages due to a severe deficit in generation capacity.
How are renewable energies contributing to the grid?
Despite the introduction of new solar parks generating 2,557 MWh, this renewable energy source has not been sufficient to meet the country’s energy demands.
What are the main causes of the current power outages in Cuba?
The primary causes include malfunctions at key thermoelectric plants, scheduled maintenance, thermal limitations, and fuel shortages affecting distributed generation facilities.