Cuba remains entrenched in a severe energy crisis, with blackouts spanning the entirety of Thursday, November 27, as reported by the latest update from the Electric Union (UNE).
The generation capacity shortfall reached a staggering 1,850 megawatts (MW) by 7:00 p.m. the previous day, highlighting the significant instability within the National Electric System (SEN).
By 6:00 a.m. on Friday, the SEN's total availability was only 1,560 MW, while the demand was 2,450 MW, leaving 980 MW of consumer needs unmet. During peak usage hours, the UNE anticipates a shortfall of 1,610 MW, indicating that blackouts will persist throughout the day.
Maintenance and Malfunctions
The primary contributors to this crisis include:
A malfunction in Unit 2 of the Felton thermoelectric plant, one of the country's most critical facilities. Scheduled maintenance is taking place at the Mariel (Unit 5), Santa Cruz (Unit 2), and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes (Unit 4) plants in Cienfuegos. Additional thermal generation limitations have resulted in 526 MW being out of service.
The ongoing shortage of fuel and lubricants exacerbates the situation. The report indicates that 96 distributed generation plants are halted, accounting for a reduction of 868 MW, alongside another 63 MW unavailable due to a lack of lubricants. In total, 931 MW are affected for this reason.
While 33 new solar photovoltaic parks generated 2,847 MWh on Thursday, with a peak capacity of 507 MW, their contribution remains insufficient to offset the overall system deficit.
Extended Blackouts in Havana
The Havana Electric Company confirmed that the capital experienced prolonged power outages. Service was disrupted for 14 hours and 25 minutes, with a peak impact of 290 MW at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday.
Electricity was partially restored by 2:50 a.m. on Friday, yet the company acknowledged it could not adhere to the planned schedule, and another deficit was recorded during the early morning hours.
Despite official announcements regarding the integration of new solar parks and the gradual reintroduction of thermoelectric units under maintenance, the situation of the SEN remains dire.
National generation continues to fall significantly short of demand, and the combination of frequent malfunctions and fuel shortages keeps the Cuban population in a state of darkness and despair.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What are the main causes of Cuba's current energy crisis?
The main causes include malfunctions at key thermoelectric plants, scheduled maintenance, additional thermal generation limitations, and a critical shortage of fuel and lubricants.
How is Havana affected by the energy crisis?
Havana experienced extended blackouts, with power outages lasting over 14 hours and significant service disruptions impacting the capital's residents.
What role do solar photovoltaic parks play in addressing the power deficit?
Although new solar photovoltaic parks have been introduced, generating 2,847 MWh, their output is still inadequate to compensate for the overall power deficit in Cuba.