The National Electric System (SEN) in Cuba remains in a dire state, leaving the Cuban population in a constant state of uncertainty. According to a report from the Electric Union (UNE) on Monday, the electricity service was disrupted for 24 hours on Sunday and continued to experience ongoing interruptions into the early hours of today.
On Sunday evening, at 10:40 pm, the situation reached a peak when the generation shortfall hit 2007 MW, exactly coinciding with the hour of highest demand. The UNE specified that this situation was exacerbated beyond expectations due to the lack of fuel at the Melones barge, further crippling the system.
Alarming Figures on Monday
As of 7:00 am on July 21, the SEN reported a meager availability of just 1668 MW against a national demand of 3050 MW. This left a shortfall of 1397 MW, plunging large areas of the country into darkness. The UNE anticipates an impact of around 1300 MW during midday, with no substantial improvements in sight.
Root Causes of the Collapse
The system is plagued by numerous technical failures, critically undermining its operational stability. Among the primary breakdowns are Unit 4 of Energas Varadero, Unit 2 of CTE Felton, and Unit 6 of CTE Renté, along with Guiteras, all of which are currently offline due to technical malfunctions.
The Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant in Matanzas experienced a severe breakdown early Sunday morning, expected to keep it offline for at least 72 hours. Engineer Rubén Campos Olmos stated that although the malfunction of the forced draft fan that limited the plant was corrected, issues with the boiler's combustion area and a water leak, as well as a crack, were detected.
Additionally, several units are undergoing scheduled maintenance, further impacting the available generation capacity. This includes Block 2 of CTE Santa Cruz, Unit 4 of CTE Cienfuegos, and Unit 5 of CTE Renté, whose temporary withdrawal significantly reduces technical backup during emergencies.
Additional thermal limitations have kept 322 megawatts out of service. This combination of breakdowns, maintenance activities, and limitations has worsened the already critical energy landscape faced by the country.
Fuel Shortage: A Persistent Hurdle
One of the most severe issues remains the fuel shortage, which has sidelined a significant portion of distributed generation: 82 distributed plants with 714 MW are paralyzed. Twelve engines at the Melones barge are non-operational (170 MW), and five engines at the Regla barges are also out of service (40 MW). In total, 924 MW are offline due to direct fuel supply problems, accounting for nearly a third of the overall deficit.
The Electric Union's projections for peak hours on Monday are particularly concerning. Official estimates suggest that generation availability during the night will only reach 1878 MW, while national demand might soar to 3700 MW, resulting in an 1822 MW deficit. As a consequence, up to 1892 MW could be affected, potentially leaving more than half of the country without electricity during peak consumption hours.
This scenario highlights the profound imbalance between the system's generation capacity and the population's actual needs.
Solar Energy: A Limited Contribution
In terms of renewable energy generation, the country's 22 solar photovoltaic parks produced 2445 MW over the day, with a maximum output of 476 MW delivered during midday. While these contributions offer some relief, they remain insufficient to address the substantial structural deficit.
A Prolonged Crisis Without Immediate Solutions
The ongoing extended blackouts, the inability of thermal generation, the obsolescence of plants, deteriorating infrastructure, and chronic fuel shortages paint a grim picture for the SEN. The Cuban population continues to endure daily power outages without a clear schedule or realistic prospects for resolution.
The projected deficit of over 1800 MW for peak hours leaves the country on the brink of an energy collapse. Meanwhile, social discontent and economic strain grow with each powerless day.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What is causing the frequent blackouts in Cuba?
The frequent blackouts are primarily caused by technical failures, fuel shortages, and maintenance issues within the National Electric System.
How severe is the fuel shortage impacting Cuba's energy supply?
The fuel shortage is severe, with 924 MW offline due to supply issues, representing nearly a third of the overall deficit in the energy system.
Are renewable energy sources helping alleviate the energy crisis in Cuba?
While renewable sources like solar energy provide some relief, their contribution is limited and insufficient to significantly reduce the structural deficit.