The Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, located in Matanzas, began the process of restarting on Friday afternoon, with expectations to reconnect to the National Electric System (SEN) around midnight. "After igniting the boiler this afternoon, workers at the Antonio Guiteras thermal plant in Matanzas anticipate synchronizing the unit between 11 PM and midnight on Friday," stated state media journalist José Miguel Solís on Facebook.
In a typically cautious tone, Román Pérez Castañeda, the technical deputy director of Cuba’s largest thermoelectric plant, mentioned that "operations will proceed with usual caution until the plant's working parameters stabilize." He further added that the welding activities to address the leak discovered on Tuesday, July 29, just four days after the plant's return to the SEN following a previous breakdown, were "successful."
"This has been confirmed by the necessary pneumatic and hydraulic tests to validate the components under working pressure," the official elaborated. "Maintenance efforts involved teams from the Electrical Plant Maintenance companies of Felton, Cienfuegos, and Havana, focusing on boiler repairs, valve adjustments, and other equipment and systems essential for the operation of the island's largest single unit," the report concludes.
The Guiteras plant, which can supply up to 220 megawatts and is the largest single unit in the country, has experienced three significant shutdowns in July. The most recent was due to damage to the high-temperature reheater and a water wall of the boiler, which has not undergone major maintenance since its inauguration in 1989. Over 35 years of neglect have turned this crucial infrastructure into a ticking time bomb.
Technicians report that the recovery process involved more than a hundred corrective tasks, including pipe replacements, hydraulic tests, and metallographic inspections. Despite these efforts, authorities acknowledge that should the Guiteras plant resume operations, it will not operate optimally. "The block will be functioning, but not in perfect conditions," admitted Lázaro Guerra, Electricity Director of the Ministry of Energy and Mines, in statements to the Granma newspaper.
The Guiteras plant's absence from the system has worsened an already critical situation: as of Tuesday, the Electric Union reported a deficit of nearly 2,000 MW, even before this latest breakdown was announced. Social media erupted with outrage. "Hand over the country, anyone else could run it better!" exclaimed a Facebook user, while others reported power outages lasting up to 20 hours a day, food spoilage, and lack of potable water.
Understanding the Current Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the significance of the Antonio Guiteras plant in Cuba's energy system?
The Antonio Guiteras plant is Cuba's largest single power unit, capable of supplying up to 220 megawatts. Its role is crucial in stabilizing the National Electric System, especially during peak demand times.
Why has the Guiteras plant faced frequent shutdowns?
The plant has encountered frequent shutdowns due to long-term neglect and lack of major maintenance since its opening in 1989, leading to structural issues like damage to critical components.
How has the plant's downtime affected Cuba's energy situation?
The plant's downtime has exacerbated an already critical energy situation in Cuba, contributing to a power deficit that has resulted in prolonged blackouts, affecting daily life and essential services.