The Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant, situated in Matanzas province, has been disconnected from Cuba's National Electric System due to a malfunction, as confirmed by the Cuban Electric Union (UNE) in a brief statement released on social media.
"The unit of the Antonio Guiteras Power Plant was removed from the National Electric System at 10:05 a.m. due to a crack in the boiler's structure," stated the state-owned entity in its concise announcement.
The release did not provide further details regarding the extent of the damage or an estimated timeline for its return to operation.
Local journalist José Miguel Solís also reported on the unit's shutdown, describing it as a pause for "repairing an external boiler malfunction," without offering additional technical specifics.
This latest interruption at the Guiteras plant comes amid a day with high levels of anticipated power disruptions.
According to UNE's official report for Friday, a maximum power shortfall of 1,906 megawatts is expected during peak hours, underscoring the ongoing electricity generation deficit in the country.
The Matanzas facility is the most crucial power plant in Cuba's electrical grid due to its significant generation capacity when operational.
Nevertheless, it has frequently been offline in recent years, stemming from both scheduled maintenance and various breakdowns, primarily linked to structural wear and challenges in executing comprehensive repairs.
As of now, officials have not provided an updated estimate on how long this current shutdown might last.
Synchronizing Challenges and Immediate Setbacks
The latest breakdown comes only days after Guiteras successfully reconnected with the National Electric System following several days out of service for urgent maintenance and repairs.
UNE reported that the plant rejoined the system at 2:51 a.m. on Wednesday, February 4, and within an hour, was generating about 100 megawatts, as per technical director Román Pérez Castañeda's comments to the Girón newspaper.
This return was seen as a limited relief for a national electrical system facing demands exceeding 3,000 MW, while actual availability was below 1,300 MW, leading to widespread prolonged blackouts across the nation.
The repairs included addressing a defect found in a section known as the Nodriza, located at the bottom of the boiler. The work, described by provincial media as "complex and delicate," involved removing accumulated slag and replacing damaged tubes.
Despite achieving synchronization, UNE did not specify when the plant would reach its full capacity, estimated at around 250 MW. With this new exit due to a boiler crack, that goal remains deferred.
In recent months, the Guiteras plant has experienced multiple disconnections from the system, due to both mechanical failures and issues with excessive water consumption, highlighting the widespread decline of Cuba's thermoelectric infrastructure. The lack of deep maintenance, coupled with shortages of spare parts and outdated technology, increasingly hampers the sustained operations of the country's power plants.
Understanding Cuba's Electrical Challenges
What caused the recent shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras Power Plant?
The recent shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras Power Plant was due to a crack in the boiler's structure, leading to its disconnection from the National Electric System.
How does the shutdown of the Guiteras plant affect Cuba's electricity supply?
The shutdown exacerbates Cuba's electricity supply issues, contributing to a significant power shortfall during peak hours and leading to extended outages across the country.
What challenges does Cuba face with its thermoelectric power plants?
Cuba's thermoelectric power plants face challenges such as structural deterioration, a lack of comprehensive maintenance, shortages of spare parts, and outdated technology, hindering their reliable operation.