Vicente de la O Levy, Minister of Energy and Mines, during a press conference. Photo: Abel Padrón Padilla/Cubadebate.

Update on the situation of the National Electric System in Cuba

Cuban Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, reported this Wednesday at a press conference on the worsening situation of the National Electric System (SEN) this week. Marked by a series of events that have intensified blackouts throughout the country.

According to the minister, the shutdown of Felton Unit 1 for maintenance, an engine failure in Mariel. The shutdown of Nuevitas Unit 5, and the failure to bring Renté Block 5 online after repairs caused a considerable deficit in electricity generation.

In particular, the shutdown at Nuevitas 5 forced the sudden shutdown of several circuits in Havana last Monday. As an emergency measure to prevent a total system failure.

Regarding floating power plants (trucks). De la O Levy noted that of the eight units operating in the country, only two remain, with a combined capacity of 70 MW.

The minister also acknowledged that the impacts are worsening due to aging infrastructure. Postponed maintenance, and a lack of funding for major interventions in generating blocks.

Despite the complex outlook, improvements are expected in the short and medium term. This weekend, Felton 1 is expected to be restarted with more than 220 MW. Renté 5 will complete its adjustments. The outage in Mariel has already been resolved. Furthermore, the country has 650 MW of solar generation installed. Which helps cover part of the daytime demand.

According to the minister, the Electricity Union remains committed to synchronizing the remaining photovoltaic parks to reach 1,000 MW by December. The arrival of battery systems that will allow energy storage and stabilize the SEN frequency is also imminent.

During October, units 4 of the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes CTE and 2 of Santa Cruz del Norte, currently under maintenance, are expected to be commissioned, De la O Levy said.

He also added that resources are available to undertake the comprehensive intervention of the Antonio Guiteras CTE in December. Taking advantage of the period of lower electricity demand.

Finally, De la O Levy clarified that, although this is not the worst time for distributed generation. The main problem has been the availability of oil. Whose coverage should improve in the coming days.

With information from Cubadebate

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