The energy crisis in Cuba shows no signs of abating as the National Electric System (SEN) reported widespread blackouts throughout Sunday and into the early hours of Monday. This was a result of a generation capacity shortfall that reached 1,752 MW at its peak at 7 PM. The official report on Monday morning revealed that the SEN's available capacity was 1,632 MW, whereas the demand was 2,617 MW, leaving more than 1,000 MW unavailable.
By midday, it was projected that the power deficit would leave 1,300 MW of customers without electricity, highlighting the severity of Cuba's current energy predicament. The crisis is exacerbated by multiple breakdowns and maintenance work at major thermoelectric plants across the nation. Units one and two at Felton, unit eight at Mariel, and unit three at Renté are out of operation due to technical failures.
Additionally, unit two at Santa Cruz and unit four at Carlos Manuel de Céspedes in Cienfuegos are undergoing maintenance. These issues are compounded by thermal limitations that keep another 426 MW offline, contributing to the systemic collapse.
The shortage of fuel further hampers distributed generation. The report indicates that 39 power plants are out of service due to fuel scarcity, representing a loss of 292 MW. Moreover, an additional 316 MW are non-operational due to a lack of lubricants, bringing the total unavailable power due to these shortages to 608 MW.
For the evening peak hours, authorities foresee recovering only 100 MW, which would raise availability to 1,732 MW against an estimated demand of 3,400 MW. If these projections hold, the shortfall could reach 1,668 MW, potentially affecting up to 1,738 MW during those hours.
Despite efforts to integrate renewable sources into the grid, the 32 new photovoltaic solar parks contributed merely 2,033 MWh on Sunday, with a maximum power output of 322 MW at midday—a figure still insufficient given the overall network collapse.
Cuba's Energy Crisis: Key Questions Answered
What is causing the electricity shortage in Cuba?
The electricity shortage is primarily due to a combination of technical failures at major power plants, maintenance work, thermal limitations, and a significant lack of fuel and lubricants.
How are renewable energies contributing to Cuba's power grid?
Renewable energies, such as the 32 new photovoltaic solar parks, are contributing to the power grid, but with only 2,033 MWh added on Sunday, they are still insufficient to meet the country's high demand.
What are the projected power deficits during peak hours?
During peak hours, the projected power deficit could reach 1,668 MW, with potential disruptions affecting up to 1,738 MW.