The National Electric System (SEN) in Cuba is grappling with a significant shortfall as it started Friday with availability way below demand. The issues have persisted from the previous day, extending throughout the night, with a forecasted deficit surpassing 1,700 MW during peak hours, leading to increasingly unstable service.
The Electric Union reported that on Thursday, the maximum deficit due to capacity shortage hit 1,611 MW at 10:00 PM, which didn't even align with the peak consumption time. The blackouts were worse than anticipated because of unexpected shutdowns at Nuevitas Unit 5 (Camagüey) and Renté Unit 3 (Santiago de Cuba).
The 25 new solar photovoltaic parks contributed 2,674 MWh, peaking at 451 MW around midday, a figure insufficient to alleviate the crisis. As of 6:00 AM today, the SEN had an availability of 2,000 MW against a demand of 3,150 MW, with 1,175 MW affected by the shortfall. Midday projections estimate an impact of 1,100 MW.
Unforeseen Failures and Maintenance Issues
Breakdowns were reported at Mariel Thermoelectric Plant Unit 8 (Artemisa), Nuevitas Unit 5, Renté Unit 3, and Felton Unit 2 (Holguín), alongside maintenance at Santa Cruz del Norte Unit 2 (Mayabeque), Cienfuegos Unit 4, and Renté Unit 5. Additionally, 340 MW were offline due to thermal constraints, with 57 distributed generation plants halted due to fuel shortages, totaling a reduction of 368 MW.
During peak hours, with only 50 MW recovered from engines previously halted by fuel shortages, an availability of 2,050 MW is anticipated against a demand of 3,700 MW. This could result in a deficit of 1,650 MW and impacts as severe as 1,720 MW if predictions hold true.
Capital City Power Struggles
In Havana, the Electric Company announced via Facebook that service was interrupted for 14 hours and 19 minutes yesterday, peaking at 65 MW affected at 10:00 PM. Some scheduled cut-off blocks were not disconnected, though interruptions continue to rely on SEN directives.
Cuba is enduring one of its worst energy crises in decades, with daily blackouts lasting over 20 hours due to technological obsolescence, fuel shortages, and a nearly total dependence on imports for power generation. The brief "respite" in power leading up to dictator Fidel Castro's 99th birthday on August 13th faded as soon as the propaganda lights dimmed.
The official narrative, which hinted that the commander's spirit powered the plants, clashed with ongoing prolonged outages, thawed refrigerators, and sleepless nights with fans made from cardboard to alleviate the sweltering heat. The relief was so fleeting that some joke the thermoelectric plants operate only out of "political obligation" and will return to their usual dormancy after August 13th.
Renewable Energy: A Hopeful Yet Unseen Solution
The Cuban government is betting on expanding renewable energy use, which currently makes up less than 5% of the national energy matrix. Officials claim the island will soon rank among the top three countries globally in rapidly advancing the transition to clean energy. Several photovoltaic parks have been inaugurated in recent months, but the increasingly skeptical Cubans have yet to notice "even a slight improvement."
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuba's Energy Crisis
What is causing the power shortages in Cuba?
The power shortages in Cuba are primarily due to technological obsolescence, lack of fuel, and a heavy reliance on imports for electricity generation.
How are the solar photovoltaic parks contributing to the energy supply?
The solar photovoltaic parks have been contributing to the energy supply by generating 2,674 MWh, with a peak of 451 MW. However, this is not enough to significantly impact the ongoing crisis.
What measures are being taken to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government is focusing on expanding renewable energy sources, with plans to transition rapidly towards clean energy solutions, though significant improvements have yet to be observed.