The Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant, situated in Matanzas, disconnected from the National Electric System (SEN) at 2:08 a.m. on Monday due to the unexpected closure of the fuel shut-off valve to the boiler. Rubén Campos Olmo, the plant's director, confirmed that no operations were underway at the time of the incident, and the unit was stable prior to the disconnection.
According to a Facebook post by state journalist José Miguel Solís, Campos Olmo stated that no damage had been detected at the facility, nor were there any reported incidents involving workers. However, he emphasized that to resume operations, the Guiteras plant requires external power to initiate its start-up process. The generation island, which includes Energás Varadero, is actively working to provide this energy.
Conflicting Information on Disconnection Causes and Reconnection Timeline
Despite the plant director's assertion that it is impossible to estimate a timeframe for reconnection, Solís suggested that the issue could be resolved shortly once the fault in the automatic fuel flow control system is identified. His post also noted a "malfunction of the automatic control system of fuel flow to the boiler," though it did not clarify whether this system was damaged.
Additionally, it was mentioned that the Guiteras plant requires 10 MW of external power to begin its ignition process, which is anticipated to be achieved by late afternoon or evening. Meanwhile, state journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso reported that by 10:20 a.m., 220 MW had been supplied nationwide through micro-generation systems and generators in various provinces.
Although Alonso did not mention the fuel flow control system failures in his social media post, he stressed that the system's reconnection would be gradual to prevent further outages.
Prioritizing and Overcoming Challenges in Restoring the SEN
In Matanzas, the local micro-grid has managed to energize critical points such as the Faustino Pérez Hospital and water supply centers, according to Solís. However, the nationwide priority remains stabilizing the available thermal units, including the Renté, Nuevitas, Mariel, and Felton plants, as well as the barges in Havana.
While technicians work to identify and rectify the cause of the fault at Guiteras, the population continues to endure extended power outages. The Electric Union and local authorities have stressed that efforts to restore energy supply are being conducted "tirelessly."
Understanding the Challenges of Cuba's Electric System
What caused the Guiteras plant to disconnect from the National Electric System?
The disconnection occurred due to the unexpected closure of the fuel shut-off valve to the boiler.
Is there any damage reported at the Guiteras plant?
No damage has been reported at the plant, nor have there been any incidents involving workers.
What is needed for the Guiteras plant to resume operations?
The plant requires 10 MW of external power to initiate its start-up process.