The workforce at the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant in Matanzas wrapped up repair efforts on Saturday, gearing up for a restart in the early hours of the morning. This decision followed the successful completion of hydraulic tests on the boiler.
Engineer Román Pérez Castañeda, the general manager of the Matanzas unit, told Radio 26 that "work proceeded without interruptions, and nearly 300 corrective measures were implemented" during the repair process.
Experts consulted by the Matanzas-based outlet predict that Guiteras might produce about 200 megawatts on Saturday, potentially increasing to 230 megawatts by Sunday. They described this as a symbolic tribute to the revolutionary figure for whom the plant is named.
The final day of repairs involved meticulous checks on each task to ensure flawless synchronization, as reported by Periódico Girón.
The plant was disconnected from the National Electric System last Tuesday at 9:12 a.m. due to a boiler malfunction, resulting in an immediate loss of 140 megawatts.
This marks the eighth time Guiteras has been offline this year, highlighting the accumulated deterioration of a facility that has never undergone comprehensive maintenance in its 36-year history.
The plant's shutdown caused severe blackouts across Cuba, with a national electrical deficit nearing 1,900 megawatts last Wednesday.
Matanzas, the province hosting the plant, endured over 40 consecutive hours of blackout by Thursday's end, a situation not lost on the Cuban populace.
On Wednesday, May 6, the boiler cooling process was completed, followed by hydraulic and pneumatic tests to assess the damage.
Production deputy director Jorge Gómez Sánchez reported on Thursday that more than 70% of corrective actions were finished, with boiler welds nearly completed.
The underlying energy crisis is further exacerbated as Russian oil, which temporarily alleviated blackouts, ran out in late April without a confirmed date for a second shipment.
The planned restart coincides symbolically with the 91st anniversary of the assassination of revolutionary Antonio Guiteras Holmes and Venezuelan Carlos Aponte. This event occurred on May 8, 1935, at El Morrillo, Matanzas, as they attempted to set sail to Mexico to organize an armed expedition.
Guiteras contributes between 20% and 25% of national thermal generation, with a nominal capacity of between 250 and 340 megawatts, making it Cuba's largest individual thermoelectric plant and a crucial component in mitigating the worsening blackouts nationwide.
Common Questions About the Guiteras Power Plant
What caused the recent shutdown of the Guiteras power plant?
The recent shutdown was caused by a malfunction in the boiler, leading to an immediate loss of 140 megawatts.
How significant is the Guiteras power plant to Cuba's energy supply?
The Guiteras power plant is crucial as it contributes between 20% and 25% of the national thermal generation, with a capacity of 250 to 340 megawatts.
How often has the Guiteras plant gone offline this year?
The Guiteras plant has gone offline eight times this year, reflecting its deteriorating condition due to lack of comprehensive maintenance.