The ongoing energy crisis in Cuba shows no signs of improvement, as power outages continue to plague the nation due to a generation shortfall in the National Electrical System (SEN). On Friday, the Cuban Electrical Union (UNE) officially projected that there would be a power deficit of up to 1,390 MW during peak hours.
On Thursday, the island experienced power outages throughout the entire day, with the most significant interruption reaching 1,624 MW at 6:30 pm, surpassing the planned forecast. The UNE missed its prediction of 1,344 MW due to the unexpected shutdown of Unit 1 at the Santa Cruz Thermoelectric Plant and the failure to bring Moa's engines online.
By 7:00 am on Friday, the SEN's available capacity was 1,580 MW, while demand had risen to 2,185 MW, resulting in a shortfall of 672 MW. It is anticipated that by midday, the impact will increase to 1,050 MW.
Infrastructure Challenges Worsen Electrical Shortages
The electrical system is plagued by severe infrastructure issues, with numerous units either out of commission due to malfunctions or undergoing maintenance. Two units are offline due to breakdowns: Unit 5 at the Nuevitas Thermoelectric Plant and Unit 2 at the Felton Thermoelectric Plant. Maintenance is ongoing for Units 6 at the Mariel Thermoelectric Plant, Unit 2 at the Santa Cruz Thermoelectric Plant, Units 3 and 4 at the Cienfuegos Thermoelectric Plant, and Unit 5 at the Renté Thermoelectric Plant. Limitations in thermal generation amount to 403 MW.
Furthermore, 83 distributed generation plants, seven engines from the Melones Barge, and the Moa fuel plant are out of service due to fuel shortages, accounting for a total of 782 MW.
Evening Peak Hour Forecast
For the evening, the UNE expects to recover 80 MW from distributed generation engines, along with the activation of the seven engines on the Melones Barge and 10 engines at the Moa fuel plant, contributing 147 MW. Despite these efforts, the UNE's forecast for peak evening hours indicates an availability of 1,930 MW against a demand of 3,250 MW, resulting in a 1,320 MW deficit, with anticipated blackouts reaching up to 1,390 MW.
Scheduled Outages in Havana
The Havana Electric Company has announced that due to the generation deficit, scheduled outages will occur in the capital:
- From 10:00 am to 3:00 pm: Blocks #1 and #2.
- From 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm: Block #3.
- From 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm: Block #4.
Long-Term Solutions Remain Elusive
Although the UNE reported a slight reduction in the severity of blackouts on Thursday, the system's significant deficiencies thwarted expert predictions. The forecasted impact of 1,390 MW for Friday is likely to fall short. The generation deficit, exacerbated by inadequate maintenance, breakdowns, and fuel shortages, leaves the population enduring extended outages without a clear solution in sight.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What is causing the power shortages in Cuba?
Cuba's power shortages are primarily due to a generation shortfall in the National Electrical System, compounded by infrastructure issues, breakdowns, and fuel shortages.
How is the Cuban government addressing the energy crisis?
The Cuban government is attempting to address the energy crisis by recovering power from distributed generation engines and activating additional engines, although these efforts have not been sufficient to meet demand.
What areas are most affected by the blackouts?
Blackouts are widespread across Cuba, with scheduled outages specifically affecting various blocks in Havana due to the generation deficit.