The Electrical System in Cuba: A Complex Challenge

The National Electrical System is experiencing particularly complex times. As reported this Monday at a press conference held by sector officials. Omar Ramírez Mendoza, Deputy Director of the Electric Union, explained that the combination of fuel shortages and unforeseen outages of thermal generating units caused significant disruptions over the past weekend. With affected capacity fluctuating between 900 and 1,000 megawatts (MW) for several days.

This ongoing situation undoubtedly has repercussions for the population and the country’s economic activity. Highlighting the vulnerability of our system to technical failures and resource limitations exacerbated by the strict economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States government, the main obstacle to the timely acquisition of fuel and spare parts.

Moreover the technical issues reported at power plants such as Diez de Octubre, Antonio Maceo, Santa Cruz, Felton, and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes. With failures ranging from boiler fires to compressor breakdowns. Demonstrate the aging of part of the generating fleet. This necessitates constant and rigorous maintenance. A task our sector workers are tirelessly undertaking.

Faced with these challenges, there is no inaction. The information provided paints a clear picture of actions and prospects. In the short term, with the reintegration of units such as Céspedes 3, Felton 1, and Diez de Octubre 6, a recovery is estimated that will allow for the availability of between 1,100 and 1,300 MW during the day and around 1,800 MW at peak times. This will facilitate greater circuit rotation and alleviate the load on the system.

Looking ahead, the recovery plan is encouraging. By the end of this year, the maintenance of the Céspedes 4 plant and the commissioning of Unit 2 at Santa Cruz are scheduled to be completed, adding firm capacity to the system.

But the most promising horizon lies in the push for renewable energy sources. The completion of 37 new photovoltaic solar parks, with an approximate capacity of 2,000 MW, stands as a transformative project. Added to this is the arrival in the first quarter of 2026 of the first battery storage systems. A key technology for stabilizing solar power operations and compensating for fluctuations. Thus improving the security and reliability of the entire grid.

Also the current situation, although difficult, is being addressed transparently, explaining its causes and, above all, showing the path to a solution. The country’s effort is intense: on the one hand, work is underway on the immediate repair of damaged units and the search for supply solutions.

On the other, the strategy for changing the energy matrix is ​​being accelerated, which in the medium and long term will provide Cuba with a more resilient, clean, and sovereign system. These are times that demand, once again, the understanding and support of our people, known for their resilience and their belief that, by working together, we can overcome adversity.

The path is not easy, but it is clearly defined. To stabilize the thermal power system in the short term while rapidly building the nation’s renewable energy future.

By: Daimy Peña Guillén

Radio Angulo
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