The energy crisis in Cuba shows no signs of abating. The nation remains engulfed in extensive blackouts, exacerbated by the deteriorating national electrical system, fuel shortages, and limited generation capacity. The Unión Eléctrica (UNE) reported that electrical service was disrupted for the entire 24 hours on September 21st and had not been restored by the early morning of Monday. The peak disruption recorded was 1,733 MW at 8:40 p.m.
Regarding the contribution from the 31 photovoltaic solar parks, production reached 2,989 MWh, with a maximum output of 462 MW delivered at midday.
The Critical State of the National Electrical System
The availability of the National Electrical System (SEN) as of 6:00 a.m. on September 22nd was merely 1,730 MW, compared to an estimated demand of 3,000 MW, leaving 1,270 MW affected due to generation shortfall. By midday, the expected shortfall was 1,200 MW.
Several key factors contribute to the energy collapse:
- Breakdowns in unit 2 of the CTE Felton, unit 6 of the CTE Nuevitas, and unit 6 of the CTE Rente.
- Units undergoing maintenance: unit 2 of the CTE Santa Cruz and unit 4 of the CTE Carlos Manuel de Céspedes in Cienfuegos.
- Thermal limitations keeping 527 MW out of service.
- Fuel and lubricant shortages at 53 distributed generation plants, affecting 501 MW.
Forecast for Monday's Peak Hours
Projections indicate the addition of 100 MW from motors currently out of service due to fuel shortages, alongside the reactivation of unit 6 of the CTE Nuevitas with 90 MW. Nonetheless, total availability would only reach 1,910 MW against an estimated peak demand of 3,500 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,590 MW. Authorities caution that the peak hour impact could rise to 1,660 MW if current conditions persist.
Extended Blackouts in Havana: No Solution in Sight
The Empresa Eléctrica de La Habana reported service interruptions starting at 3:16 p.m. on Sunday, and as of the report's closure, restoration had not been achieved. The peak impact was 227 MW at 7:00 p.m., affecting all six blocks of the city.
The ongoing situation raises a pressing question echoed by many Cubans across social media and street protests: How much longer will blackouts plague Cuba?
Understanding Cuba's Blackout Crisis
What are the main causes of Cuba's energy crisis?
The energy crisis in Cuba is primarily due to the deteriorating electrical system, fuel shortages, and a lack of generation capacity. Additional issues include breakdowns in key generation units and maintenance delays.
How is the solar energy sector contributing to Cuba's power supply?
The 31 photovoltaic solar parks in Cuba are contributing to the power supply by producing 2,989 MWh, with a maximum capacity delivery of 462 MW, particularly during midday.
What is the forecast for Cuba's power supply in the near future?
The forecast suggests a slight increase in power availability with the addition of 100 MW from motors and 90 MW from the reactivation of a unit at CTE Nuevitas. However, these additions will still leave a significant shortfall against demand.