Cuba is grappling with one of its most severe energy crises this year, experiencing widespread blackouts throughout the previous day. The country's electrical generation suffered a record shortfall, with 2054 megawatts (MW) offline. The Cuban Electric Union (UNE) reported on Tuesday that the collapse in power generation capacity was more severe than anticipated, primarily due to a lack of fuel in Havana's power barges and the shutdown of unit 5 at the Nuevitas power plant.
This new figure surpasses the previous record set on Tuesday, July 15, when outages reached 2020 MW due to the Melones barge's inactivity and unexpected failures at two thermoelectric plants in Mariel and Nuevitas. As of 7:00 am today, the National Electric System (SEN) was operating with only 1740 MW available, while national demand soared to 3308 MW, leading to an immediate deficit of 1595 MW in capacity.
The midday forecast predicts a deficit of 1450 MW, with the situation expected to deteriorate further during peak nighttime hours. The maximum demand is projected to hit 3680 MW, against an availability of just 1788 MW. This translates to an estimated shortfall of 1892 MW, with potential impacts reaching up to 1962 MW—one of the highest figures recorded in recent years.
Widespread System Failures
The UNE reported simultaneous failures in five generating units at the Energas Varadero plant and the Nuevitas, Felton, Renté, and Guiteras thermoelectric plants. Additionally, units undergoing maintenance at the Santa Cruz, Cienfuegos, and Renté plants further limit the system's ability to meet rising electricity demands.
Moreover, 245 MW remain offline due to thermal limitations, and 87 distributed generation plants are stalled due to fuel shortages, resulting in a loss of 720 MW. Floating power barges in areas like Melones and Regla are also experiencing serious operational issues due to fuel scarcity, with only a fraction of their engines running.
Havana's Persistent Blackouts
A new report from Havana's Electric Company confirms that on Monday, the capital experienced service disruptions for over 22 hours, with a maximum impact of 105 MW occurring at 8:50 pm. As of Tuesday morning, outages continued due to generation deficits, and several areas had not yet seen power restored.
"As we have previously explained, these emergency disruptions depend solely on the SEN's demands," states the official information note.
Solar Energy: A Minimal Contribution
The UNE highlighted the contribution of 22 new photovoltaic solar parks, which generated 2312 MWh during the day, peaking at 478 MW. Although this represents progress towards energy diversification, it remains insufficient against a national demand that nearly doubles the system's available capacity.
A Collapse with Far-Reaching Effects
This situation has resulted in prolonged blackouts across all provinces, impacting both residents and economic sectors. Social media users report outages lasting over 18 hours, disruptions in water supply, and negative effects on hospitals and workplaces.
Meanwhile, the UNE maintains that efforts are underway to gradually restore offline units and improve fuel distribution. However, Cubans must brace themselves for a week marked by unpredictable, extended outages amid a summer already characterized by extreme heat and a strained energy infrastructure.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Shortfall
What is causing the current energy crisis in Cuba?
The crisis is primarily due to a lack of fuel in power barges and unexpected shutdowns of key power units, leading to significant drops in power generation capacity.
How are solar energy efforts contributing to the energy needs?
While solar energy efforts, including new photovoltaic parks, are contributing to energy diversification, they remain insufficient against the high national demand.
What impacts are residents experiencing due to the outages?
Residents are facing prolonged blackouts, with reports of outages exceeding 18 hours, disruptions to water supply, and impacts on hospitals and workplaces.