Cuba is once again grappling with widespread blackouts affecting a large portion of the country. This is a result of a persistent shortfall in power generation that highlights the government's inefficiency in providing a stable electricity supply to its citizens. The Electric Union (UNE) reported that on Thursday, the system experienced disruptions for a full 24 hours, with interruptions continuing into the early hours of today.
At 7:50 pm, the maximum recorded impact reached 1,722 megawatts (MW), surpassing the planned 1,590 MW. This was due to the failure of two units from the Mariel and Renté thermoelectric plants to come online in time, showcasing issues in management and planning. By 6:00 am on Friday, the system's availability was 1,696 MW against a demand of 2,678 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,013 MW. The situation was expected to slightly improve by midday, reducing the impact to 1,000 MW.
However, during peak hours, the situation is projected to worsen significantly. Despite the scheduled inclusion of block 1 from the Ernesto Guevara CTE in Santa Cruz, the availability of 1,746 MW will fall short of meeting a demand of 3,350 MW. This results in a deficit of 1,604 MW that would eventually translate into an impact of 1,674 MW.
The Impact of System Malfunctions and Fuel Shortages
The energy crisis is exacerbated by malfunctions in three units of the Felton, Mariel, and Renté CTEs, while three other blocks from the Santa Cruz and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes CTEs in Cienfuegos are offline for maintenance. Additionally, thermal limitations left 462 MW unable to generate power, and fuel and lubricant supply issues affected another 525 MW.
Furthermore, the Havana Electric Company reported that on Thursday, the service was disrupted for 11 hours and 35 minutes, with a peak impact of 104 MW at 7:50 pm. The service was restored by 2:02 am. "Although planned, it was NOT necessary to affect blocks 6 and 4 scheduled between 10:00 am and 2:30 pm. Similarly, blocks 1, 3, and 2 were not impacted between 2:00 am and 8:00 am," the company detailed on Facebook. They reminded that disruptions depend solely on the demands of the National Electric System (SEN).
Renewable Energy Contribution and Systematic Failures
Despite the contribution of 32 photovoltaic solar parks which provided 2,731 MWh, with a peak of 522 MW during the midday hours, this figure is insufficient to offset the system's deficit. It underscores Cuba's reliance on outdated and poorly managed technologies. The inability to coordinate thermal plants, coupled with maintenance and supply issues, turns the electrical crisis into another symptom of the government's failure to manage strategic resources and ensure the population's well-being.
These power outages not only disrupt daily life but also impact industrial production and essential services, further weakening an already fragile economy. Meanwhile, the government seems to prioritize propaganda over solving structural problems, leaving millions of Cubans without reliable access to electricity and exposing the nation's vulnerability in the face of an outdated and poorly managed electrical system.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Challenges
What is causing the frequent blackouts in Cuba?
The frequent blackouts in Cuba are primarily due to a persistent deficit in power generation, exacerbated by outdated infrastructure, poor management, and fuel shortages.
How is the government addressing the power generation deficit?
The government's response to the power generation deficit has been criticized for prioritizing propaganda over tangible solutions, failing to implement effective measures to upgrade infrastructure and improve resource management.
Are renewable energies playing a significant role in Cuba's energy supply?
While Cuba has invested in photovoltaic solar parks, their contribution remains insufficient to cover the existing energy shortages, highlighting the country's dependency on obsolete technologies.