The National Electric Union (UNE) has announced the commencement of maintenance work on the generator of Block 1 at the "Lidio Ramón Pérez" thermoelectric plant, located in Holguín. This intervention takes place at a crucial time for Cuba's national electrical system, which is grappling with a significant energy generation deficit, several thermoelectric units out of service, and prolonged power outages throughout the nation.
According to UNE's social media updates, the maintenance work began after the turbine's cooling process was completed. A team of specialized engineers and mechanics, along with technicians from the thermoelectric plant, are involved in uncovering the generator's upper casing to assess the condition of the internal components and carry out necessary repairs.
Felton plant, one of Cuba's major energy producers, has experienced frequent breakdowns in recent years. On February 7th, the unit was successfully reconnected to the National Electric System (SEN) after multiple repair attempts. However, it went offline again on February 11th, exacerbating the already severe energy crisis affecting the island.
By February 12th, official sources confirmed the severity of the issues at the thermoelectric plant, suggesting that the challenges in electricity generation could persist indefinitely. This latest round of repairs is unfolding amid widespread blackouts across Cuba, which have caused public discontent and economic difficulties in various sectors. During the week of February 17th, UNE warned that power cuts would continue due to insufficient generation capacity.
Despite the initiation of repairs at Felton, authorities have not provided a timeline for when the unit will be reconnected to the SEN. Meanwhile, Cubans are enduring one of the most severe energy crises in recent years, with blackouts lasting over 10 hours daily in several provinces.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What is causing the energy crisis in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba is primarily due to a considerable deficit in energy generation, with several thermoelectric units out of service and frequent breakdowns at major plants like Felton.
How long are the blackouts in Cuba expected to last?
The duration of the blackouts is uncertain, as UNE has indicated that power cuts will persist due to ongoing issues with energy generation capacity.