The Cuban Electric Company, known as the Unión Eléctrica de Cuba (UNE), announced on Sunday that the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant in Matanzas is making progress in reconnecting with the National Electric System (SEN) following maintenance work. This maintenance, according to UNE, is set to restore the plant's generating capacity from 120 to 240 megawatts.
Despite this announcement, the increase represents a return to the plant's normal operational capacity, rather than an actual enhancement.
Through a Facebook post, the state-run company detailed the ongoing repairs, which include overhauling the power supply line and reheater tubes, washing heaters, cleaning the boiler, and performing maintenance on valves and automatic systems.
UNE also reported that over 200 workers, with assistance from the Felton thermoelectric plant, are involved in these restoration efforts.
Official state media journalist José Miguel Solís mentioned via Facebook that the plant's restart is scheduled for Sunday afternoon, once essential tasks are completed.
As per his 7 a.m. update, repairs on the reheater, water supply system, and condenser were finalized, alongside cleaning of the superheaters, valves, burners, and electrical systems.
UNE indicated that Guiteras could potentially reconnect with the SEN by Wednesday, following the completion of hydraulic and pneumatic tests and addressing the issues that have compromised its generation stability.
The Matanzas thermoelectric plant, regarded as the country's main power facility, has been plagued by frequent breakdowns, inadequate maintenance, and a shortage of parts, leaving it operating below its intended capacity for months.
These operational disruptions have exacerbated the national electricity crisis, characterized by widespread blackouts impacting the entire island.
Industry experts have noted that the current repairs are more about restoring Guiteras to its essential operational level to support the system amidst the overall decline of Cuban thermoelectric plants and the lack of investment in energy infrastructure.
Key Details on Cuban Electric System Challenges
What is the current capacity of the Guiteras plant?
The Guiteras plant is currently undergoing maintenance to restore its capacity from 120 to 240 megawatts.
Why is the Guiteras plant's restoration significant?
Restoring the Guiteras plant is crucial as it aims to return to its normal capacity to support Cuba's struggling National Electric System amidst frequent outages and infrastructure challenges.
What challenges has the Cuban electric system faced?
Cuba's electric system has been troubled by equipment breakdowns, lack of deep maintenance, and parts shortages, leading to persistent power outages across the island.