The Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant, situated in Matanzas, successfully reconnected with Cuba's National Electric System (SEN) this Sunday after undergoing essential technical adjustments to resume operations. As reported by the newspaper Girón, this facility, the country's largest electricity generator, commenced operations in the afternoon, thereby strengthening the energy supply following last Friday's widespread blackout.
Rubén Campos Olmos, the plant's director, confirmed the successful synchronization and outlined plans for gradually ramping up electricity production. "We connected about 15-20 minutes ago. This is just the beginning. If all goes well, we plan to increase our output to 120 MW initially, and then up to 200 MW in coordination with the national dispatch," Campos Olmos explained.
The reactivation of the Antonio Guiteras plant is a crucial step in stabilizing the electrical grid, which now extends from Guantánamo to Mariel. However, the plant's energy generation and load capabilities will depend on its operational conditions and the nationwide demand.
Journalist José Miguel Solís confirmed the plant's synchronization at 4:02 p.m. via Facebook, noting that it is progressively increasing its load to stabilize the electric system. "Guiteras synchronized at 4:02. It’s currently at 108 MW, cautiously increasing load to protect the system's stability linking it to the eastern part of the nation and Mariel," Solís posted.
According to Solís, the plant managed to become self-sustaining from 60 MW onwards without requiring external input from the electric system, thus solidifying its independent generation capacity. He further mentioned that, in coordination with the National Load Dispatch, the plant could conservatively reach 200 MW.
Solís also indicated that if the integration of other units proceeds without interruptions, there is potential to meet the electric demand by the next morning. "Kudos to everyone who achieved the seemingly impossible," he remarked, highlighting the workers' efforts in overcoming technical challenges to synchronize the Guiteras plant.
Technical Adjustments and Future Plans
Earlier, the journalist noted that technicians were working on parameter adjustments to attempt synchronization and generate electricity following Friday's massive outage. The Cuban government had stated that it was "taking advantage" of the blackout affecting the island to perform maintenance on the Guiteras plant, which was originally scheduled for the following week.
Elmer García, the head of maintenance at Guiteras, explained to Periódico Girón that one priority was addressing a "hot spot" in the boiler, where damaged plates and thermal insulation were repaired.
Before Guiteras synchronized with the SEN, Havana's Electric Company reported that while all municipalities in the capital have regained power, the service has not been fully restored. To date, only 30.5% of the city's electric demand has been met, with 57 circuits connected, accounting for 117.53 MW, as detailed by the state company on social media.
Understanding the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant's Recent Developments
What is the significance of the Antonio Guiteras plant synchronizing with the National Electric System?
The synchronization of the Antonio Guiteras plant with the National Electric System is crucial because it bolsters the country's energy supply and enhances grid stability following a massive blackout.
What are the future plans for the plant's electricity generation?
The plant aims to gradually increase its output to 120 MW initially and could potentially reach 200 MW, depending on operational conditions and coordination with the national dispatch.