The Cuban government has announced plans to restore Block 2 of the Felton Thermoelectric Plant located in Mayarí, Holguín. This comes five years after a fire rendered it inoperative, with a target completion date set for late 2027 or early 2028. Erick Milanés Quinzán, the plant’s general director, stated that repair work is slated to commence in May 2025, spanning two and a half years, aiming for completion by the end of 2027. This timeline comes more than five years after the fire that halted operations, as reported by the state-run CubaDebate.
Milanés revealed that most of the boiler structures are already present in the country, with the final supplies expected to arrive next month. These components will be produced at the Paco Cabrera Metal Structures Factory (Metunas), while foreign-contracted tubes will facilitate the assembly of boiler parts, adhering to a detailed schedule. He optimistically mentioned that necessary funding is anticipated by the end of this year to secure the remaining elements and equipment, ensuring a seamless assembly process that will eventually sync the unit with the National Electric System (SEN).
Significant Investment in Cuba's Energy Sector
The project marks a crucial investment for Cuba, as the plant, inaugurated in 2001, holds the title of the largest installed electrical capacity in the nation. Block 2 experienced a catastrophic fire in 2022 while attempting to rejoin the SEN following partial capital repairs. This incident severely damaged the boiler, sidelining a unit meant to contribute 240 MW to the national grid during a peak demand period, exacerbating one of the worst energy crises the country has faced in 60 years.
Despite government assurances of timely rehabilitation, past delays and technical difficulties in similar projects cast doubt on the feasibility of the proposed timeline. Nonetheless, there is anticipation that once completed, Block 2 of Felton will once again serve as a key asset in Cuba’s electricity generation.
Challenges Faced by Cuba's Power Infrastructure
Last October, Block 1 of the Felton plant was taken offline for "partial maintenance," as detailed by the entity on its official Facebook page. They noted, "The ETE 'Lidio Ramón Pérez' Felton is reducing load for partial maintenance, focusing primarily on the boiler." However, no specifics were provided regarding the duration of its absence from the SEN. The Cuban Electric Union (UNE) specified in its outage report for October 29 that Felton's "unpostponable" maintenance would last 10 days. Yet, by November 11, the plant was reported to be generating 220 MW according to its Facebook updates.
The Felton Thermoelectric Plant, together with the CTE Guiteras, forms a cornerstone of Cuba's National Electric System. However, the CTE Guiteras, which was set to rejoin the grid on Sunday, had to disconnect once again for technical adjustments.