Electric Grid Sees Temporary Relief from Blackouts as Guiteras Power Plant Reconnects

The early morning synchronization of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant with the National Electric System (SEN) is expected to bring a slight reduction in the severity of power outages plaguing Cuba, according to the Electric Union (UNE). On Thursday evening at peak demand, power shortages reached 1,848 MW, but projections for Friday suggest this will decrease to 1,460 MW during the same period.

UNE reports that the return of the Guiteras plant, coupled with the activation of other generating units like unit 3 of CTE Renté (60 MW) and unit 5 of Mariel (60 MW), along with partial recovery of engines in distributed generation, contributes to this temporary respite. Nonetheless, the broader situation remains dire.

As of 7:00 am today, the system's available capacity stood at a mere 1,890 MW against a demand of 3,210 MW, resulting in an immediate shortfall of 1,333 MW. For the evening peak, demand is expected to surge to 3,500 MW, while available capacity will only reach 2,110 MW, leading to widespread blackouts during high consumption hours.

Current Challenges and Plant Outages

Several units remain offline due to malfunctions: units 5 of CTE Mariel, 3 and 6 of Renté, and 2 of Felton. Additionally, three blocks at CTE Santa Cruz, Cienfuegos, and Renté are under maintenance. On top of this, 89 distributed generation plants and five engines at the Regla barge are out of operation due to fuel shortages, adding another 799 MW to the deficit.

In Havana, less frequent blackouts were noted on Thursday. The Electric Company reported on Facebook that service was affected for 16 hours and 45 minutes, with a peak outage of 98 MW at 9:30 pm, which was resolved by 4:06 am today. Planned outages for blocks B2 and B1 were not necessary, and blocks 6 and 4 were unaffected during the early morning hours.

The Role of Antonio Guiteras Plant

Considered the most efficient plant in Cuba due to its low specific fuel consumption and use of domestic oil, the Guiteras plant resumed its energy contribution at 2:45 am after being out of service since Sunday due to a significant malfunction. Its absence worsened the country's energy crisis, leading to a notable increase in blackouts in recent days.

With a capacity exceeding 200 MW, Guiteras is the largest single-unit power generator in the nation. Engineer Rubén Campos Olmos explained that recent repairs were challenging due to difficult-to-access damaged piping, yet the damaged sections were replaced, welded, and tested, promising more stable and efficient operations.

However, the Cuban populace has little reason for optimism. The unit has not undergone major maintenance in over 16 years and has experienced multiple shutdowns in recent months. While its return is positive for the SEN, the sustainability of its operation remains uncertain, leaving the public to endure prolonged outages, exacerbated by the summer heat and the deteriorating national electrical infrastructure.