The persistent instability of the Antonio Maceo Thermoelectric Plant, commonly known as Renté, was once more on display this Thursday as Unit 6 ceased operations just a day after being synchronized. This development extends the ongoing energy crisis in Santiago de Cuba and throughout the island.
According to a post by the Cuban Electric Union (UNE) on Facebook, the line was taken offline due to an electrical issue, a recurring scenario in recent weeks with multiple unit failures.
Recurring Disruptions Highlight System Fragility
On Wednesday, at 6:49 PM, Unit 3 at Renté was disconnected due to "low vacuum," a mere 89 minutes after joining the National Electric System (SEN). At 5:20 PM, Unit 3 had come online, followed by the synchronization of Unit 6 at 5:38 PM, initially hailed as a relief to power generation in eastern Cuba, but this optimism was quickly dashed.
Short-lived Optimism and Prolonged Blackouts
UNE's updates elicit more skepticism than reassurance; the public's trust in Renté's synchronization announcements has waned due to its frequent unexpected shutdowns. Particularly, Unit 3 has encountered similar issues repeatedly in recent days. Last Sunday, at 4:07 PM, it too went offline due to low vacuum. Shortly thereafter, at 4:14 PM, Unit 5 was out of operation for reasons "pending identification" at that time.
Continuous Failures and Unfulfilled Promises
Plant General Manager, Jesús Aguilar Hernández, informed the official press on Tuesday that Units 3, 5, and 6 were non-operational due to recent heavy rainfall, while technical crews attempted to restart Unit 6 to contribute approximately 50 MW to the SEN, which was achieved a day later.
Only a week ago, Unit 5 was decommissioned due to a leak in the water station, adding to the lengthy list of incidents that keep Renté as one of the most vulnerable points in Cuba's electrical grid.
This series of breakdowns coincided with a visit from leader Miguel Díaz-Canel to the power plant, where he promised improvements by the end of the year. However, neither the official rhetoric has managed to instill confidence, nor have the events confirmed any optimistic narrative: "practice is the criterion of truth," and the reality has been stark.
Meanwhile, residents of Santiago continue to endure endless blackouts in a scenario where technical solutions are increasingly scarce, and confidence in the electrical system is at an all-time low.
Understanding Cuba's Power Struggles
What caused Unit 6 at Renté to go offline?
Unit 6 was taken offline due to an electrical issue, a common problem recently affecting multiple units at the Renté plant.
How has the public reacted to the power plant's instability?
The public has grown increasingly skeptical of announcements regarding Renté's synchronization due to its frequent unexpected shutdowns, leading to a lack of trust in the system.
What has been promised to improve the situation at Renté?
During a visit by Miguel Díaz-Canel, promises were made to improve the situation by the end of the year, although these promises have not yet restored public confidence.