In the early 20th century, Cuba was home to one of Latin America's most advanced thermal power plants: Tallapiedra. Established by the Spanish American Light and Power Company in 1889, this facility began producing electricity in 1913 using American technology and Westinghouse single-phase generators. The following year, its iconic neoclassical building, which remains visible from Old Havana, was inaugurated.
Recently, the Cuban YouTuber Yase (@yasevids) spotlighted the remnants of this significant piece of Cuba's industrial heritage in a video.
The Story Behind Tallapiedra Power Plant
According to Portusonline, the Tallapiedra Thermal Power Plant was built to serve the Havana Electric Railway, Light and Power Company on land owned by engineer José Tallapiedra, which inspired its name. Initially, the plant measured 85 meters in length, 35 meters in width, and 31 meters in height, featuring four chimneys that rose 82 meters, still marking its location on the city skyline.
The plant's iconic structure boasted large windows with a closure system for controlling ventilation and light within the electricity-generating halls. A concrete dock was constructed on the maritime facade for coal unloading, accompanied by a continuous elevated conveyor belt system over the road, and the railroad directly fed coal to the boiler area.
Pioneering Electricity Generation in Cuba
Tallapiedra was a trailblazer in centralized electricity generation in Cuba, starting with a capacity of 25 MW in 1914, which expanded to 50 MW by 1923 and an additional 10 MW in 1945. By 1957, it added a 60 MW monoblock unit, followed by a 64 MW unit in 1972, the latter operational until 2024 despite maintenance challenges and a severe fire in 1990.
The regime took over the plant in the 1960s, renaming it Otto Parellada in honor of a martyr from the July 26th Movement. However, to the residents of Havana, it remained known as Tallapiedra, a symbol of the city's industrial memory.
The Decline and Legacy of Tallapiedra
Over time, the continued use of its original machinery revealed Tallapiedra's obsolescence. The power plant became noisy and polluting, causing discomfort among nearby residents. In November 2020, a major maintenance project was scheduled but extended due to the pandemic and economic crisis. It finally reopened and was synchronized with the National Electro-Energetic System (SEN) in June 2022.
Despite these efforts, the plant ceased operations in 2024 and now lies in ruins, with two Turkish barges currently operating in the Havana Bay area. Beyond its role in Cuba's electricity generation, Tallapiedra stands as a testament to the industrial heritage that marked a period of prosperity in Havana during the first half of the 20th century. Its neoclassical architecture and once cutting-edge technology reflect an era of development that Cuba experienced in the past.
Tallapiedra Power Plant: Questions and Insights
What was the initial capacity of the Tallapiedra Power Plant?
The Tallapiedra Power Plant began with an initial capacity of 25 MW in 1914.
Why was the Tallapiedra plant renamed Otto Parellada?
The regime renamed the plant Otto Parellada in honor of a martyr from the July 26th Movement during the 1960s.
When did the Tallapiedra Power Plant cease operations?
The Tallapiedra Power Plant stopped functioning in 2024.