The repair work on the units of the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes thermoelectric plant in Cienfuegos, which broke down last October, is not expected to be complete until April and June. It's been years since both units were simultaneously out of service, a situation the government attributes to the collapse of the National Electric System (SEN) on October 18, which plunged the entire country into darkness.
According to José Osvaldo González Rodríguez, the plant's general manager, as reported to the Granma newspaper, efforts are currently focused on the turbine of unit 3. He described it as "a very complex task" that "takes time" and is projected to be completed by mid-February. The synchronization with the SEN is planned for the first half of April, with its 158 MW of nominal power.
Concerning unit 4, González Rodríguez disclosed that it is undergoing an extensive partial maintenance with a focus on its boiler. He noted that there was "a certain level of misalignment in the superheater elements," leading to pipeline failures. "The scope of the work is enormous," emphasized González Rodríguez, highlighting that the restart is scheduled for the first half of June, also with 158 MW.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cienfuegos Power Plant Repairs
Why were both units of the Cienfuegos power plant out of service?
Both units were out of service due to the collapse of the National Electric System (SEN) on October 18, which affected the entire country.
When is unit 3 expected to be operational again?
Unit 3 is expected to be synchronized with the SEN by the first half of April, following the completion of complex turbine repairs by mid-February.
What maintenance is being done on unit 4?
Unit 4 is undergoing an extended partial maintenance focusing on its boiler, addressing misalignment issues in the superheater elements.