Regional Microsystems Boost Electric Recovery in Cuba
A thermoelectric power plant in Cuba, 2024. X/ @RadioHabanaCuba
October 19, 2024 Hour: 3:05 pm
As a result of the U.S. blockade, Cuba faces fuel shortages that have led to a deficit of over 800 megawatts
On Saturday, the Cuban Energy Ministry announced that microsystems for electricity generation have been consolidated in the Central and Eastern regions of the country.
RELATED:
Cuba: Electrical system restoration, technicians expect “significant progress”
In Moa, two engines are generating electricity steadily, while in Nuevitas, Unit 6 of the Thermoelectric Power Plant (CTE) is in the startup process, utilizing the electrical island created in Camagüey.
The creation of a microsystem in the center of the country has allowed electricity to be supplied to the Antonio Guiteras CTE. Once the breakdown is resolved, they assure that the unit will be restarted in the coming hours.
In Varadero, Energás’ combined cycle system managed to resume generation. However, in the Western region, a breakdown in the microsystem caused it to go offline, although reconnection has already begun. It is expected that in a short time, Energás plants, Unit 1 of Santa Cruz, and the three units of Mariel will be back online.
By Saturday afternoon, a greater electricity supply is anticipated nationwide, thanks to the thermoelectric plants that are expected to synchronize with the regional microsystems. However, there is no certainty that the National Electroenergy System (SEN) will be fully unified during this period.
On Friday, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel declared that efforts will not cease until the complete restoration of the National Electric System is achieved. He emphasized that work would be carried out with precision, dedication, and persistence to resolve the situation.
Díaz-Canel warned that even after overcoming the current emergency, certain levels of energy deficit will persist. Nonetheless, he assured that efforts will continue to reduce these deficiencies compared to the situation in recent days. “This is yet another demonstration of all the problems caused by the blockade, and the impacts of the blockade,” the Cuban President stated.
As a result of the U.S. blockade, Cuba is facing a complex electrical energy situation due to fuel shortages, which has led to a deficit of more than 800 megawatts (MW).
Comprehensive Plan in Progress
On Friday, Alfredo López Valdés, the director of the National Electric Union (UNE), highlighted that mobile and distributed generation has been the most affected, with losses exceeding 600 MW.
He announced a comprehensive plan to improve the energy situation, prioritizing the use of domestic fuels and projecting major work in several thermoelectric plants, including a block at Felton that would contribute 250 MW.
It is estimated that the recovery of the distributed generation system will take less than a year. The plan also includes the repair of transmission lines and improvements in electric metering.
This program aims for gradual improvement, focusing on restoring generation capacity and managing demand, which has increased by 120 MW in the early hours compared to the previous year, exceeding 3,000 MW in total. The authorities emphasize the importance of saving energy and using it efficiently, along with the local manufacturing of essential components.
teleSUR/ JF Source: teleSUR – PL
