Amidst a day plagued by widespread blackouts and a worsening energy crisis due to fuel shortages and failures in several power plants, the Cuban state media celebrated the reenactment of the so-called "Freedom Caravan" on January 7. This event featured political and cultural activities, with participants traveling in military vehicles.
The event, portrayed as a historical commemoration, included a reenactment in Cienfuegos at the José Martí Park. Meanwhile, the National Electric System (SEN), managed by Unión Eléctrica (UNE), reported a severe deficit that would lead to prolonged power outages.
In Cienfuegos, the "Freedom Caravan" was reenacted as a show of support for the revolutionary "historical legacy." The commemoration also involved condemning the "unjust aggressions" by the United States against Venezuela and the "kidnapping" of Nicolás Maduro.
Participants embarked on the journey from a military truck departing near the old Moncada Barracks in Santiago de Cuba, retracing the path towards Havana.
This took place as the UNE reported that on Tuesday, the peak impact reached 1,710 MW, and by Wednesday morning, the deficit returned. At 6:30 a.m., the availability was 1,550 MW against a demand of 2,040 MW, resulting in a 520 MW shortfall. For peak hours, a demand of 3,200 MW was projected with the same availability, leading to a deficit of 1,650 MW and an estimated impact of 1,680 MW.
The UNE detailed malfunctions in units at the Mariel, Nuevitas, Felton, and Antonio Maceo Thermal Power Plants, alongside maintenance at Santa Cruz and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes (Cienfuegos).
Thermal generation had 560 MW out of service, compounded by fuel issues: 100 distributed generation centers reported 877 MW affected, with an additional 150 MW unavailable due to lubricant shortages, totaling 1,027 MW offline for these reasons.
Despite contributions from 34 new photovoltaic solar parks, generating 3,062 MWh (a maximum capacity of 649 MW), the official report acknowledged this was insufficient to offset the chronic deficit.
In Havana, the Electric Company also reported interruptions lasting 7 hours and 46 minutes, with a peak of 196 MW and admitted the "informed schedule could not be met" due to low availability.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis and Government Priorities
What is the "Freedom Caravan" in Cuba?
The "Freedom Caravan" is a reenactment of a historical event commemorating the revolutionary journey from Santiago de Cuba to Havana. It is used as a political tool to promote the legacy of the Cuban Revolution.
How severe is the current energy crisis in Cuba?
Cuba is facing a significant energy crisis, with a severe deficit in electricity generation due to fuel shortages and power plant malfunctions, resulting in widespread and prolonged blackouts.
How is the Cuban government addressing the energy shortfall?
The Cuban government has acknowledged the shortfall but continues to prioritize political events like the "Freedom Caravan," diverting resources away from addressing the energy crisis effectively.