As the weekend draws to a close, Cuba faces a critical situation characterized by extensive power outages due to inadequate electricity generation. The Electric Union (UNE) released a statement on their Facebook page, indicating that on Saturday, September 27, the island experienced a continuous 24-hour power disruption, which persisted into the early hours of Sunday.
The most significant shortfall in power generation capacity reached 1,737 MW at 8:00 PM, a figure higher than anticipated due to delays in bringing unit 6 of the Mariel Thermal Power Plant online. By 6:00 AM on Sunday, the National Electrical System (SEN) had a total availability of 1,760 MW against a demand of 2,939 MW, resulting in a 1,217 MW deficit. Projections for midday suggest an impact of 1,100 MW.
Power Plant Failures and Thermal Constraints
The SEN encountered issues with units at the Felton, Nuevitas, and Renté thermal plants, compounded by maintenance activities at Santa Cruz and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes power facilities in Cienfuegos. Additionally, 393 MW were out of service due to thermal limitations, while another 637 MW were compromised by fuel shortages and lack of lubricants in distributed generation plants.
Peak Demand Forecast
During peak demand hours, a partial recovery of 50 MW is expected from distributed generation engines currently offline due to fuel shortages. Under these conditions, the estimated availability would be 1,810 MW against a peak demand of 3,430 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,620 MW, with potential outages reaching up to 1,690 MW.
Impact in Havana
In the capital, the Havana Electric Company (EELH) reported that the power supply was disrupted for 23 hours and 30 minutes. Service was restored at 3:08 AM on Sunday, with the peak impact reaching 146 MW at 8:50 PM. The company noted that it wasn't necessary to affect the planned blocks during the day, and reserve block 5 remained unaffected. These interruptions are solely dependent on SEN requirements.
Contribution of Solar Energy
The 31 newly established photovoltaic solar parks contributed 2,305 MWh, with a maximum output of 426 MW during periods of moderate demand.
Common Questions About Cuba's Power Crisis
What caused the recent power outages in Cuba?
The recent power outages in Cuba were primarily due to insufficient electricity generation, caused by delays in power plant operations, equipment failures, and fuel shortages.
How are solar parks contributing to Cuba's energy supply?
The newly established photovoltaic solar parks in Cuba have contributed significantly to the energy supply by generating 2,305 MWh, with a peak output of 426 MW.
What measures are being taken to mitigate power shortages?
Efforts to mitigate power shortages include maintenance of power plants, attempts to bring additional units online, and utilizing solar power to supplement the energy grid.