The National Electric System (SEN) experienced outages yesterday, with a peak impact of 1,816 MW, and anticipates a nearly 1,800 MW shortfall during Saturday's peak hours.
As per the Informative Note from the Electric Union (UNE), the electrical service was disrupted throughout the entire day before, hitting a critical point at 6:10 PM when the generation capacity deficit reached 1,816 MW.
This scenario occurs amidst numerous breakdowns, prolonged maintenance periods, and severe limitations due to shortages of fuel and lubricants.
At 6:00 AM on December 27, the SEN's available capacity was only 1,510 MW against a demand of 1,900 MW, immediately resulting in a shortfall of 402 MW.
A midday increase in the deficit to 950 MW was projected.
Key Operational Challenges
Significant issues include malfunctions in units 5 and 8 of the Mariel Thermoelectric Plant and unit 2 of the Felton Plant in Holguín, as well as maintenance in unit 2 of the Santa Cruz del Norte Plant and unit 4 of the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Plant in Cienfuegos.
Additionally, 659 MW are offline due to limitations in thermal generation.
Fuel Shortages: A Critical Factor
The ongoing fuel shortage remains a critical factor. A total of 1,047 MW is unavailable due to this issue, including 790 MW across 89 distributed generation plants, 108 MW at the Moa Fuel Plant, and another 149 MW due to a lack of lubricants.
Despite these challenges, the UNE reported that the 34 new solar photovoltaic parks contributed 2,901 MWh during the day, with a peak output of 561 MW at midday.
Nevertheless, this contribution was insufficient to offset the system's structural deficit.
Expected Nighttime Deficit
The forecast for peak nighttime demand is 3,280 MW, with an estimated availability of only 1,510 MW, resulting in a projected deficit of 1,770 MW and an anticipated impact of around 1,800 MW if current conditions persist.
In Havana, the provincial Electric Company reported on its Facebook page that the service was disrupted on Friday starting at 2:42 PM, peaking at 154 MW by 6:10 PM, and was restored by 8:56 PM.
The Cuban SEN faces a structural breakdown, characterized by prolonged blackouts and a significant shortfall in energy generation.
Long-Term Deterioration and Impact
Beyond specific technical failures, the overall situation reflects years of accumulated deterioration, marked by a lack of sustained investments, aging infrastructure, and planning that has failed to anticipate or mitigate the progressive collapse of thermoelectric units.
These disruptions affect homes, hospitals, businesses, and production centers, significantly impacting the quality of life for citizens.
Moreover, the uncertainty surrounding the electricity supply complicates the planning of daily activities and generates frustration among the population.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What are the main causes of Cuba's electrical shortages?
The main causes include numerous technical breakdowns, prolonged maintenance issues, and severe limitations due to shortages of fuel and lubricants.
How does the electrical shortfall impact daily life in Cuba?
The shortfall causes disruptions in homes, hospitals, businesses, and production centers, significantly affecting daily activities and quality of life.
What role do solar photovoltaic parks play in Cuba's energy supply?
The solar photovoltaic parks contribute to the energy supply, but their output is insufficient to address the structural deficit of the system.