Challenges in Establishing Micro Electric Systems in Western Cuba After Widespread Blackout

The Cuban government acknowledged on Saturday afternoon that establishing micro electric systems to restore power following Friday's massive blackout has been quite challenging. During a national television broadcast, Lázaro Guerra Hernández, the Director General of Electricity at the Ministry of Energy and Mines, explained that the process of restoration, especially in the western region, has encountered significant "entry problems."

Guerra Hernández highlighted the issues at the Boca de Jaruco Energás plant, which have hindered its integration, a crucial step for reactivating the western micro electric system. Efforts are underway to channel energy from the floating power stations in Havana Bay. "The problems at Energás are being resolved, and we anticipate the situation to be fixed by this afternoon, allowing us to progress with restoring power in the country's western region," he stated on television—a medium inaccessible to most Cubans due to the lack of electricity.

As an alternative, authorities have considered deploying diesel engines and the Regla floating power plant to generate electricity for Energás, initiating its startup. "This approach will certainly help increase electricity coverage and expedite the restoration process in the western part of the country," he affirmed.

In the central region, efforts are focused on another micro electric system at the Hanabanilla hydroelectric plant, which would be powered by Energás Varadero. "We are reaching the Agramonte substation, which will allow us to continue advancing towards Energás Varadero, improving conditions in the central region and progressing with the restoration process," he explained.

He also mentioned ongoing work on other micro electric systems in various provinces to "ensure a level of electrical service to the population and vital centers." Sixteen hours after the National Electric System's general disconnection, only unit six at the Nuevitas thermoelectric plant and another unit at the Renté thermoelectric plant have been restarted, thanks to micro systems established in the Camagüey and Santiago de Cuba regions.

Meanwhile, the Energás Varadero plant is now operational and can power the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, the largest on the island. Official journalist José Miguel Solís reported on social media that Energás is set to join the central micro electric system generation.

Currently, service has been restored to circuit 4072 in the town of Agramonte through a connection with Yaguaramas, in the Cienfuegos province. The nationwide blackout in Cuba was triggered by a failure at the Diezmero electrical substation due to a long-standing insulation issue in an element of the line. The lack of preventive maintenance and the inability to replace aging components due to market restrictions also contributed to the collapse of the national electric system.

Although the Cuban government is deploying "micro electric systems" to supply energy to specific areas and vital centers, these temporary solutions have fallen short of effectively stabilizing the power supply, and residents continue to endure prolonged outages.