The National Electric System (SEN) of Cuba faced a severe energy crisis on Friday, August 8th, starting the day with a shortfall of 1,329 megawatts (MW) at 6:00 AM, as reported by the Cuban Electric Union (UNE). At that time, the electricity demand reached 3,150 MW, while the available supply was only 1,890 MW, necessitating power outages since the early hours.
On the previous day, power disruptions lasted the entire 24 hours, peaking at 1,819 MW around 9:40 PM, which coincided with the period of highest consumption. This number exceeded expectations due to the failure to bring unit 6 of the Nuevitas Thermoelectric Plant (CTE) online during peak hours.
Renewable Energy and Maintenance Challenges
The UNE highlighted that the 25 newly installed solar photovoltaic parks contributed 2,450 megawatt-hours (MWh) to the SEN, with a maximum power output of 472 MW around midday. However, this input was not enough to meet the demand.
Among the units currently out of service due to breakdowns are unit 1 of the Santa Cruz CTE, unit 5 of the Nuevitas CTE, unit 2 of the Felton CTE, and unit 6 of the Renté CTE. Meanwhile, unit 2 of the Santa Cruz CTE, unit 4 of the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes CTE in Cienfuegos, and unit 5 of the Renté CTE are undergoing maintenance. Technical limitations in thermal generation add up to 343 MW.
Distributed Generation and Peak Hour Forecast
Additionally, 58 distributed generation plants are offline because of a fuel shortage, with a combined capacity of 429 MW. For Friday's peak hours, the UNE anticipates bringing unit 1 of the Santa Cruz CTE (60 MW) and unit 6 of the Renté CTE (50 MW) online, alongside the recovery of 100 MW in distributed generation engines. The estimated availability would be 2,040 MW against a maximum demand of 3,700 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,660 MW and projected outages of 1,730 MW.
In the capital, Havana, the power supply was disrupted for 24 hours on Thursday, with a peak impact of 110 MW at 9:40 PM. The service was restored at 1:51 AM on Friday. Although a power cut was scheduled between 10:00 AM and 2:30 PM, authorities stated it was not necessary, and the planned outages for the early hours were not executed, contingent upon the conditions of the SEN.
Insights into Cuba's Power Crisis
What caused the power deficit in Cuba on August 8th?
The power deficit was primarily due to a combination of high demand reaching 3,150 MW and limited availability of only 1,890 MW, along with technical issues and maintenance in various power plants.
How did solar energy contribute to the SEN?
The solar photovoltaic parks provided 2,450 MWh to the SEN, reaching a peak output of 472 MW at midday, though this was insufficient to cover the overall demand.
What measures were expected for the peak hours on Friday?
For Friday's peak hours, the UNE planned to activate certain units and intended to recover power through distributed generation, aiming to achieve an estimated availability of 2,040 MW.
Why were some distributed generation plants offline?
The distributed generation plants were offline due to a lack of fuel, affecting a total capacity of 429 MW.