The Cuban Electric Union (UNE) announced on November 27 that the National Electric System (SEN) remains in a dire state, with continuous disruptions throughout the previous day and a generation shortfall reaching 1,799 megawatts (MW) by 7:00 p.m.
As of 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, the SEN's available capacity was 1,424 MW, while demand stood at 2,409 MW, resulting in a capacity deficit affecting 948 MW. UNE anticipates that around midday, power interruptions will hover near 950 MW.
Despite the contribution of 2,923 megawatt-hours (MWh) by the country's 33 new solar photovoltaic parks on Wednesday, peaking at 518 MW at noon, this remains insufficient to counter the collapse of the thermoelectric system and fuel shortages.
Breakdowns and Maintenance Exacerbate the Crisis
Among the key issues reported, UNE highlights the malfunctioning of Unit 6 at the Antonio Maceo Thermoelectric Plant in Santiago de Cuba and Unit 2 at the Felton Plant in Holguín.
Additionally, scheduled maintenance is underway for Unit 5 of the Mariel Plant, Unit 2 of the Santa Cruz Plant, and Unit 4 of the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Plant in Cienfuegos.
Thermal generation limitations have resulted in 546 MW being out of service, while fuel shortages severely impact distributed generation:
- 94 power stations out of service (846 MW).
- Engines at the Moa site halted (100 MW).
- 63 MW unavailable due to lack of lubricant.
Overall, 1,009 MW are inactive due to fuel scarcity, reflecting the ongoing deterioration of the national energy system.
Nighttime Peak Forecast: Expect More Blackouts
For the evening peak hours, UNE forecasts only 1,524 MW of availability against an estimated demand of 3,250 MW, indicating a shortfall of 1,726 MW.
Should these conditions persist, disruptions could reach 1,796 MW, leaving much of the country without electrical service for several hours once again.
In Havana, the provincial Electric Company reported interruptions amounting to 256 MW at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, with outages lasting until 1:20 a.m. and new cuts in the early morning hours from 6:07 to 7:32 a.m.
Despite announcements regarding the integration of new solar parks, Cuba's energy situation shows no signs of improvement. The structural deficit, frequent breakdowns, and fuel shortages continue to force the population to endure prolonged blackouts, even in the capital.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What is causing the power outages in Cuba?
The power outages in Cuba are primarily due to a combination of factors including a significant generation deficit, frequent breakdowns in the thermoelectric plants, and severe fuel shortages.
How are solar parks contributing to Cuba’s power supply?
Cuba's 33 new solar photovoltaic parks are contributing to the power supply by generating 2,923 megawatt-hours, with a peak output of 518 MW at noon. However, this is not enough to counter the major deficits caused by the failing thermoelectric system and lack of fuel.
What measures are being taken to address the energy crisis in Cuba?
Cuba is attempting to address the energy crisis by integrating new solar parks into the grid and conducting maintenance on existing thermoelectric plants. However, these measures have not yet resolved the overarching issues of structural deficits and fuel shortages.