Despite the reconnection of the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant to Cuba's National Electric System (SEN), blackouts continue unabated across the island. This ongoing crisis highlights the severe strain on Cuba's power infrastructure, especially during the sweltering summer months. According to a Saturday report from the Unión Eléctrica (UNE), power outages plagued the country throughout the previous day and persisted into the early hours of the morning.
The most significant shortfall in power generation occurred at 7:50 PM on Friday, with 1,822 megawatts (MW) unavailable. This deficit, however, did not coincide with peak demand hours. Even with the Guiteras plant back online, conditions remain dire as of Saturday, August 2.
Meanwhile, the 24 newly established solar photovoltaic parks generated a total of 2,742 megawatt-hours (MWh), hitting a peak capacity of 545 MW at noon. Yet, this contribution is insufficient to address the deep-seated imbalances plaguing the system, which suffers from ongoing technical failures, fuel shortages, and logistical constraints.
At 7 AM on Friday, the SEN's energy availability stood at a mere 1,895 MW against a demand of 3,245 MW, resulting in a capacity shortfall of 1,325 MW. Projections for midday suggest an impact of around 1,280 MW.
Persistent Challenges and Contributing Factors
Key issues include active malfunctions in the Renté plant's unit 6 and Felton's unit 2. Additionally, maintenance work has sidelined unit 2 of Santa Cruz del Norte, unit 4 of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes in Cienfuegos, and unit 5 of Renté. Thermal limitations further keep 434 MW offline.
The situation is exacerbated by a critical fuel shortage, which has idled 75 distributed generation plants with a combined capacity of 634 MW, in addition to 64 MW from Regla's floating power station. In total, 698 MW are out of commission due to fuel scarcity.
During peak hours, the UNE announced that a 240 MW floating power station in Havana will be disconnected for commercial reasons. Although immediate measures are being taken to mitigate the situation, the outlook remains grim. Plans include partially reactivating Renté's unit 6 with 50 MW, adding 17 MW from Energás Varadero, and incorporating 64 MW from eight motors on the Regla floating plant.
Even with these efforts, peak availability is expected to reach only 2,022 MW against a maximum demand estimated at 3,700 MW. This would result in a shortfall of 1,674 MW and potential outages affecting up to 1,744 MW, likely extending blackouts nationwide.
A July Marked by Unrelenting Power Failures
July saw one of the most challenging periods for Cuba's electrical system this year. Reports from the UNE and CiberCuba chronicled widespread power outages affecting every province over consecutive days.
On multiple occasions, the shortfall exceeded 1,800 MW, with a record-breaking 2,054 MW deficit on July 21, unprecedented in recent years. The situation remained critical not just during peak hours but around the clock, with blackouts reported at all times of the day and night.
The recurring causes for these issues remain: technical failures, prolonged maintenance, and, most critically, a severe fuel shortage. On several occasions, the UNE warned that the system was operating below 50% capacity. Reliance on floating power stations and distributed generation proved unfeasible due to supply challenges.
Against this backdrop, the temporary reactivation of plants like Guiteras fails to alter the overall energy collapse, a scenario even acknowledged by the regime's authorities, who seem unable to provide a solution. Meanwhile, the Cuban population faces August's soaring temperatures, struggles to preserve food, and deals with mounting frustration over an electrical crisis with no apparent resolution in sight.
Understanding Cuba's Ongoing Power Crisis
What are the main causes of Cuba's power outages?
Cuba's power outages are primarily due to technical failures, prolonged maintenance, fuel shortages, and logistical constraints affecting the national energy system.
How is the solar energy contribution impacting the power situation?
While solar energy parks add to the grid, their contribution of 2,742 MWh is insufficient to counterbalance the systemic deficiencies in Cuba's power infrastructure.
Is there any improvement expected soon in Cuba's power supply?
Despite efforts to partially reactivate some power units, significant improvements in Cuba's power supply are unlikely in the short term due to ongoing challenges.