On Thursday, journalist José Miguel Solís announced on his Facebook profile that damaged pipes have been identified in the high-temperature superheater and one of the water walls of the boiler at the Antonio Guiteras thermal power plant in Matanzas. This revelation comes amid enduring blackouts affecting the population and causing widespread social unrest throughout Cuba.
Solís highlighted that experts have indicated the issue could be resolved within 72 hours. He added that engineer Román Pérez Castañeda specified that work is ongoing in two areas of the boiler around the clock, marking the critical path for this emergency shutdown.
The report outlines that the next steps involve completing the welding work, conducting metallographic inspections, and performing pneumatic and hydraulic tests, which take approximately six hours. These steps will determine the timing for reigniting the boiler, with plans set for late Friday.
According to the publication, more than a hundred corrective tasks have been executed during this maintenance period, which experts believe will address the most vulnerable part of the facility—the boiler.
The Guiteras plant, the nation's largest single-unit electricity generator, was disconnected from the National Electric System on Tuesday due to a boiler failure, just four days after being reconnected following another breakdown. The plant has suffered three significant malfunctions in July alone, according to the Electric Union. The boiler has not undergone major maintenance in over 35 years, highlighting the deterioration of this strategic plant, which was inaugurated in 1989.
The shutdown of Guiteras coincides with widespread power outages across Cuba. Reports indicate blackouts lasting over 20 hours a day, leading to food spoilage and water shortages amid high temperatures. This situation has incited a wave of outrage on social media, with open criticism directed at the government for the ongoing energy crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Antonio Guiteras Power Plant Crisis
What caused the shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras power plant?
The shutdown was caused by a failure in the boiler, which was identified as having damaged pipes in the high-temperature superheater and one of the water walls.
How long is the repair expected to take?
Experts estimate that the repairs will take about 72 hours to complete, including welding, metallographic inspections, and pneumatic and hydraulic tests.
What impact has the power plant's shutdown had on the Cuban population?
The shutdown has contributed to massive power outages across Cuba, with some areas experiencing blackouts lasting over 20 hours, food spoilage, and water shortages, exacerbating public discontent.