The Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant in Matanzas is currently operating steadily, contributing 250 megawatts (MW) to Cuba's National Electrical System (SEN) as of this morning. This follows a reduction in its output on Sunday to facilitate maintenance work. Jorge Gómez Chávez, director of the plant's production unit, shared insights with Periódico Girón, explaining that the output had to be lowered due to a detected boiler leak and a hotspot on the right lateral area, an issue stemming from the latest malfunction.
"Extreme heat caused the metals to glow red, attributed to a very hot gas leak," Gómez Chávez elaborated. Repair efforts included an external fix, necessitating a decrease in output to 120 MW to lessen flame intensity and allow access to the affected zone. To address the issue, box-shaped plates were installed, and refractory cement was applied to seal the leak and prevent further damage.
Once repairs were completed, the plant gradually increased its output, maintaining a stable 220 MW throughout the night without any additional problems. By this morning, it reached 250 MW, reinforcing its stability within the system. Nonetheless, the plant's reintegration into the SEN has not yet significantly alleviated the power outages experienced by citizens.
The Electric Union's (UNE) daily blackout forecast for Monday indicated interruptions totaling 1,525 MW during nighttime, exceeding the 1,362 MW of disruptions reported on Sunday. The Antonio Guiteras plant's disconnection from the National Electrical System shortly after 7 PM on Monday—only 24 hours after its re-entry following another fault—exacerbated an ongoing crisis characterized by frequent breakdowns and fuel shortages.
It is important to note that this plant is the largest and most crucial in the country. Its disconnection from the system in October and December 2024 caused massive blackouts, plunging Cuban citizens into complete darkness. Despite several unsuccessful attempts, the Guiteras plant finally synchronized with the SEN this past Saturday, yet issues quickly resurfaced, as reported by Periódico Girón.
The energy crisis has sparked growing discontent among the population, who criticize the lack of reliability in power supply and its impact on daily life.
Key Questions About Cuba's Energy Crisis
What caused the recent issues at the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant?
The plant experienced a boiler leak and a hotspot due to extreme heat from a gas leak, necessitating a temporary reduction in output for repairs.
How has the energy crisis affected the citizens of Cuba?
The crisis has led to frequent power outages, causing significant disruptions to daily life and growing dissatisfaction among the population.
What measures were taken to repair the plant?
Repairs involved installing box-shaped plates and applying refractory cement to seal the leak and prevent further damage.