The Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant, the largest single unit in Cuba's electrical system, is operating at its maximum capacity after going over 15 years without crucial maintenance. The plant's director has openly admitted that the country's current situation does not allow for the much-needed shutdown.
Román Pérez Castañeda, the plant's director, stated, "Guiteras requires comprehensive maintenance lasting at least 180 days. The last such maintenance was in 2010, but the country's circumstances still don't permit it."
This significant maintenance was initially promised for late 2025, but in December of that year, Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy postponed it due to what he called a "temporary issue."
In April 2026, following another breakdown, the maintenance was promised again, though no specific timeframe was provided.
Short-term Repairs Amid Long-term Challenges
Meanwhile, maintenance teams conduct short stoppages to address the 520 planned repair interventions. The latest stoppage lasted 90 hours, from May 6 to 9, focusing on fixing damaged coils in the high-temperature reheater.
The working conditions are extreme, with shifts stretching up to 14 hours, involving welding inside the boiler at temperatures of 60 degrees Celsius and at heights of 150 meters. Norberto Padrón Ramos, a supervisor with 38 years of experience, shared, "Inside the boiler, the heat is unbearable. It's a job that takes a toll over time, but I have no regrets."
After the 90-hour halt, Guiteras restarted in the early hours of May 9, achieving a generation capacity of 200 to 210 megawatts, significantly below the 270 MW it can produce under optimal conditions. This marked the plant's eighth exit from the National Electrical System in 2026.
Impact of External Sanctions and Internal Crisis
Castañeda also highlighted the impact of U.S. sanctions, which complicate the acquisition of spare parts and the hiring of foreign technical advisors. "This is a direct hit to the national energy sector, forcing us to navigate through a very narrow path, which is far from ideal," he remarked.
The deteriorating condition of Guiteras is worsening the energy crisis affecting millions of Cubans. On May 12, Cuba experienced a maximum outage of 2,113 MW, setting a new record for the year, with availability at merely 1,200 MW against a demand of 2,860 MW.
May has emerged as the most critical month of 2026, surpassing the previous record of 2,075 MW set in March.
Aging Infrastructure Under Pressure
Inaugurated in 1988 in Matanzas, the plant has been in continuous operation for 38 years, despite international technical standards recommending a thorough review every seven to eight years. Castañeda summed up the situation bluntly: "We avoid shutdowns unless absolutely necessary to maintain electricity generation, but these types of maintenance are essential."
FAQs About Cuba's Energy Crisis and Guiteras Plant
Why can't the Guiteras plant be shut down for maintenance?
The current energy crisis in Cuba doesn't allow for the plant to be shut down, as it would significantly impact the already strained electricity supply.
What are the implications of U.S. sanctions on the Guiteras plant?
U.S. sanctions make it challenging to obtain necessary spare parts and foreign technical expertise, complicating maintenance efforts and exacerbating the energy crisis.
How often should a plant like Guiteras undergo maintenance?
International standards recommend a comprehensive review every seven to eight years, but Guiteras has not had such maintenance since 2010.