Just two days after the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant reconnected to the National Electric System, it has already been forced to reduce its output once more due to fresh complications with its boiler. Official journalist José Miguel Solís reported that the plant reached 250 MW on Saturday night but had to lower its capacity to 120 MW by Sunday.
From the plant, Jorge Gómez Chávez, who heads the base production business unit, explained they are currently addressing a defect in the boiler, referred to as a "red spot," while maintaining a limited load. "The aim is to resolve the gas leak while keeping the plant connected to the grid and then gradually increase the power output to about 250 MW," he detailed.
Presently, the plant is in the process of increasing its load, contributing 50 MW to the system with a goal of reaching 220 MW before peak demand hours. This situation arises on a day when power outages began at 6:36 am, and a peak hour shortfall of 1372 MW is anticipated, according to the Electric Union's (UNE) report.
In addition to the limitations at Guiteras, six other units are offline due to breakdowns or maintenance, while 56 generation plants are out of service because of fuel shortages, impacting 350 MW. The Guiteras plant rejoined the national grid at 9:06 am on Friday after several days of repairs and testing, following its disconnection on Sunday, February 4th.
The conflicting reports from authorities regarding the reasons for the outage and the status of repairs have stirred mistrust and concern among the public. Initially, the UNE reported the Guiteras plant went offline for an unidentified reason, later revising the explanation to "failures in the electrical supply to a nearby substation."
Meanwhile, the population continues to endure prolonged blackouts and hears recovery forecasts that only reinforce perceptions of erratic and non-transparent management. The Matanzas-based plant, the largest in the country, has suffered numerous failures in recent months, highlighting the structural weaknesses of an outdated electrical system.
Understanding the Challenges at Guiteras Power Plant
What is causing the current issues at the Guiteras power plant?
The current issues are due to defects in the boiler, specifically a gas leak referred to as a "red spot," which is being addressed while maintaining limited power output.
How has the public reacted to the power plant's ongoing problems?
The public has expressed mistrust and concern over the conflicting reports and ongoing failures, leading to perceptions of erratic and non-transparent management.
What is the impact of these issues on Cuba's electrical system?
The issues at the Guiteras plant, along with other outages, contribute to a shortfall of 1372 MW during peak demand, exacerbating the country's power crisis.