The number 5 unit at the Renté power plant in Santiago de Cuba has once again been removed from the National Electric System (NES) just hours after reconnecting following an extended maintenance period. This failure worsens the already dire energy crisis facing the nation. The thermal block, which was contributing approximately 50 megawatts from its maximum capacity of 95, became disconnected early Saturday morning.
Lázaro Guerra Hernández, the General Director of Electricity within the Ministry of Energy and Mines, indicated that the issue "appears to be minor," and anticipates that the unit could return to the NES shortly. "We're optimistic that by late tonight, though not during peak demand, this unit will be ready to start up," he stated.
Wider System Failures
The disconnection of Renté 5 adds to the growing list of issues plaguing the system. Mariel 5 also went offline last Friday, although it's expected to contribute 50 MW during Saturday night's peak hours. Meanwhile, Renté 3 has been out for several days with a planned return not until next week. Additionally, prolonged repairs continue at Santa Cruz 2 and Cienfuegos 4, and Felton 2 has remained inactive for over three years after a fire.
Enduring Power Cuts
The unstable state of Cuba’s power plants highlights the fragility of the electricity grid, leaving citizens to endure frequent and prolonged blackouts. On Saturday, Cubans are bracing for another day of widespread power outages, with the electricity deficit expected to exceed 1,600 megawatts during peak demand, according to the Union Eléctrica (UNE). Official reports acknowledged that services were disrupted throughout Friday, and the situation is expected to persist, with only 2,085 MW available against a peak demand of 3,650 MW, leaving much of the country without power for extended periods.
Ineffective Solar Solutions
This announcement comes merely a day after the Ministry of Energy and Mines boasted on social media about having installed more than half of the solar parks planned for the year. Of the 51 projects, 27 have been synchronized, contributing 580 MW at midday. However, the reality for Cubans is that these initiatives barely mitigate the energy crisis, which is characterized by power cuts lasting over 12 hours in many provinces.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What caused the failure of the Renté power plant?
The Renté power plant unit 5 disconnected from the grid due to what is believed to be a minor issue, though details have not been fully disclosed.
How does this failure impact Cuba's energy supply?
The failure exacerbates Cuba's energy crisis, reducing available power and contributing to longer and more frequent blackouts across the country.
What are the government’s plans to address the energy shortages?
The government has been working on installing solar parks, though these have yet to significantly alleviate the power shortages due to their limited contribution.