In recent days, a series of unfortunate events have plagued the Antonio Maceo Thermoelectric Plant, commonly known as Renté, located in Santiago de Cuba. This facility has been significantly impacted by technical failures amidst the national energy crisis.
This past Thursday, a malfunction in the 6-kilovolt line of Unit 4 led to a technical shutdown that resulted in a fire, as confirmed by the Electric Union (UNE) on social media. According to the initial reports, the blaze was extinguished by the plant's own firefighting brigade, with assistance from the local fire department.
The brief statement did not specify the extent or severity of the fire, nor did it provide a timeline for when the damages might be repaired. The notification that the incident caused a "technical shutdown" has raised concerns among observers. This latest setback occurred just minutes after the UNE posted on Facebook that at 3:24 PM, Unit 6 of the Antonio Maceo plant went offline due to an "electrical problem."
The instability of the generating blocks at the Renté plant has been especially evident in recent days, with frequent disconnections and reconnections to the National Electric System (SEN). Notably, on Wednesday at 6:49 PM, Unit 3 was disconnected due to "low vacuum," a mere 89 minutes after it had been reintroduced to the national grid. It had initially come online at 5:20 PM, and shortly after, at 5:38 PM, Unit 6 was synchronized, which was initially hailed as a relief for energy generation in the eastern part of the country. However, this optimism was short-lived.
Previously, the plant's general manager, Jesús Aguilar Hernández, told the official press that Units 3, 5, and 6 were out of operation due to recent heavy rains. Technical teams were working to restart Unit 6, aiming to contribute around 50 MW to the SEN, a goal that was achieved the following day.
This series of breakdowns coincided with a visit from the country's leader, Miguel Díaz-Canel, to the thermoelectric plant, during which he promised improvements by the end of the year. However, the official narrative has failed to inspire confidence, and the unfolding events continue to contradict any optimistic rhetoric. As the saying goes, "practice is the criterion of truth," and the reality is undeniable.
Understanding the Issues at Renté Thermoelectric Plant
What caused the fire at the Renté Thermoelectric Plant?
The fire was triggered by a malfunction in the 6-kilovolt line of Unit 4, which caused a technical shutdown and subsequent fire.
How has the instability of the Renté plant affected the national energy supply?
The frequent disconnections and reconnections to the National Electric System (SEN) have highlighted the plant's instability, impacting the energy supply, particularly in eastern Cuba.
What were the conditions of Units 3, 5, and 6 before the recent incidents?
According to the plant's general manager, Units 3, 5, and 6 were out of operation due to heavy rains, and efforts were being made to restart Unit 6 to contribute to the national grid.