Felton Thermal Power Plant Begins Scheduled Maintenance

Workers at the Lidio Ramón Pérez Thermal Power Plant—located in Felton, in the Mayari municipality of Holguin province began a 21-day scheduled maintenance period this Tuesday. The work focuses on key components of the facility. Including the boiler, the condenser, and two regenerative air preheaters (RAPs). With the goal of improving the technical condition of Unit 1 and addressing issues that have accumulated during its operation.

Víctor Hugo González Quiala, the plant’s acting director, explained that one of the most complex tasks is the comprehensive cleaning of the boiler. Which has been in continuous operation for 14 months without undergoing this procedure.

Completing the cleaning of this component will require approximately 15 days of sustained effort from the work crews. The program also includes cleaning the condenser and replacing the baskets in both regenerative air preheaters.

This latter task is a critical path in the maintenance schedule. Given the significant volume of work involved in dismantling and replacing these elements. Additionally, the scope of work includes maintenance on dynamic equipment and a thorough assessment of the mechanical condition of the plant’s systems.

Specialized crews from the Power Plant Maintenance Company (ENCE), CONAN, and ECI 3 are participating in the work. Alongside the power plant’s own staff, who are handling various technical and operational support responsibilities.

Over the coming days, plans are in place to resolve 160 outstanding technical issues previously identified by the facility’s inspectors and operators. These interventions will help address accumulated deficiencies and allow for comprehensive checks on the condition of the equipment.

Adhering to the schedule will require close coordination among all participating entities. Given the complexity of the tasks and the necessity of completing the work within the established timeframe. Felton Unit 1, which has a capacity of 260 MW, has been operating at around 110 MW over the last few weeks. A fact that underscores the need for the current maintenance work.

In the summer of 2022, Unit 2 experienced a boiler fire just as it was set to add 240 MW to the National Electric Power System (SEN) following a partial major overhaul. It is currently undergoing reconstruction.

The latest breakdown at the Felton thermoelectric plant places further strain on the SEN. Which is already facing a significant deficit in generation capacity. According to a report from the Electric Union, a shortfall of 1,960 MW is expected for November 10th.

With information from Emilio Rodríguez Pupo/Radio Mayari

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