The <a href="https://time.news/cuba-remains-in-total-blackout-this-saturday/" title="Cuba remains in total blackout this Saturday”>Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant (CTE), the largest energy generating block in Cuba, was out of service since last Tuesday morning, worsening the country’s already critical energy crisis.
According to the Castro press, the stoppage, intended for “actions that are now impossible to avoid,” has generated an electricity generation deficit of 1,600 MW, the highest of the year, aggravating the frequent blackouts that affect the island.
The Electrical Union (UNE) explained that the plant required “undelayable work” on the boiler, which had excessive water consumption due to structural failures.
The repairs, also focused on complementary tasks such as changing valves and cleaning heaters, are expected to be completed in about four days. By then, the unit could be reintegrated with a capacity of 240 MW.
The situation is even more delicate because other key plants, such as the CTE Mariel, Santa Cruz, Felton and Renté, are also in breakdown or maintenance. In addition, failures due to lack of fuel have affected 43 distributed generation plants and several floating plants, leaving another 387 MW out of service.
This situation has only ended in more blackouts for Cubans and worse living conditions, since they must cook with firewood and the food they may have in the refrigerator reaches the point of decomposition.
The lack of electricity has sparked protests in different locations. In Santiago de Cuba, communities such as Dos Caminos and Paquito Rosales have been without service for more than ten days due to the theft of dielectric oil in a key transformer.
The Castro authorities have installed temporary plants for residents to charge their electronic devices, but this is a lack of respect for the solutions that Cubans need.
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What are the main causes of the energy crisis in Cuba?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Energy Expert on the Current Energy Crisis in Cuba
Editor: Good morning, and thank you for joining us today to discuss the urgent energy situation in Cuba. With the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant now out of service, can you explain the significance of this event in the context of Cuba’s energy crisis?
Expert: Good morning! Yes, the shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant is indeed significant. It’s the largest power-generating facility in Cuba, and its closure has revealed just how fragile the country’s energy infrastructure has become. The reported electricity generation deficit of 1,600 megawatts is quite alarming—it’s the highest deficit we’ve seen this year and exacerbates an already dire situation characterized by frequent blackouts.
Editor: What led to the shutdown of the plant, according to the reports?
Expert: The Electrical Union of Cuba indicated that ”undelayable work” was necessary on the plant’s boiler, which has been experiencing excessive water consumption due to structural failures. This points to deeper issues within the infrastructure that have likely been neglected over the years. It’s indicative of both a technical breakdown and a systemic problem in maintaining the range of facilities needed to keep the power supply stable.
Editor: The plant was out of service starting last Tuesday. How have the citizens been affected since then?
Expert: The immediate impact has been an increased frequency and duration of blackouts, which further disrupt daily life. This affects everything from business operations to healthcare services, as hospitals rely heavily on a consistent power supply. There’s also a psychological toll on the population. Frequent blackouts can lead to frustration and anxiety, particularly when people have little information about when the power will be restored.
Editor: Looking long-term, what repercussions might this have on Cuba’s economy and societal stability?
Expert: Long-term, the energy crisis could stifle economic growth and dissuade foreign investment. Energy is critical for many sectors, including tourism, which is a vital part of Cuba’s economy. If these issues are not resolved, one could foresee social unrest stemming from public dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the crisis. Additionally, the constant power shortages can hinder educational opportunities and daily activities, leading to a cycle of poverty and frustration.
Editor: What solutions could be implemented to address these ongoing challenges?
Expert: There are several paths forward. First and foremost, there needs to be a significant investment in upgrading and maintaining existing infrastructure. Cuba could also explore diversifying its energy sources—investing more heavily in renewable energies like wind and solar could provide more sustainable and reliable options. Moreover, embracing technology to improve efficiency in energy use and management could also yield better results in the long haul.
Editor: Thank you for providing such valuable insights into this critical situation. It’s clear that the issues affecting Cuba’s energy infrastructure are multifaceted and require urgent attention.
Expert: Thank you for having me. It’s essential that we continue to raise awareness about these challenges and advocate for systemic solutions, both for the welfare of the Cuban people and the stability of the region.