Despite the increased output from solar energy, Cuba's electrical landscape remains dire. The Electric Union (UNE) announced that today, Sunday, a power disruption of up to 1,130 MW is expected during peak hours, amidst a widespread deficit that has made blackouts a daily occurrence across the island.
According to the official report, service was restored at 12:27 am this morning, following a maximum disruption of 1,154 MW at 7:50 pm on Saturday, coinciding with peak demand. However, stability is tenuous. By 7:20 am today, service began to falter again, with only 1,930 MW available against a demand of 1,813 MW—a situation predicted to worsen by noon with an expected shortage of 500 MW.
The most alarming forecast is for the nighttime peak, with an anticipated demand of 3,020 MW and availability of just 1,960 MW, resulting in a shortfall of 1,060 MW. This will lead to power cuts exceeding 1,100 MW, directly impacting consumers. Several generating units remain offline, including Unit 2 of the Felton thermal power plant, while five units in Mariel, Cienfuegos, Santa Cruz, and Renté are down for maintenance, further straining the national system's capacity.
Conversely, the UNE highlighted that new solar parks in Havana, Cienfuegos, and Granma generated 383 MWh, surpassing the planned amount by 107 MWh. While a positive outcome, it is insufficient against the vast electrical deficit.
Belated Shift to Solar Energy
The government's renewed focus on renewable sources, particularly solar, arrives at a time when the power system is highly degraded due to years of neglect, poor maintenance, and limited investment in the country's aging thermal plants. Experts and citizens agree that while solar energy development is necessary, it cannot resolve the structural crisis facing the system nor end the frequent and prolonged blackouts disrupting the daily lives of millions of Cubans.
The regime's push for renewables comes late and lacks the support of a comprehensive plan that includes modernizing the system, diversifying energy sources, and improving overall operational efficiency. Meanwhile, the population continues to endure daily blackouts, affecting not only household comfort but also production, healthcare services, and education.
The nation needs far more than scattered solar parks to emerge from this crisis: it requires political will, transparency in energy management, and a realistic plan to restore the generating capacity of its plants. Without these, darkness will continue to dictate life's pace in Cuba.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
Why are power outages frequent in Cuba?
Cuba experiences frequent power outages due to an outdated electrical infrastructure, lack of maintenance, and inadequate investment in energy resources, leading to a significant energy deficit.
Can solar energy solve Cuba's power crisis?
While solar energy is a step towards addressing the power crisis, it alone cannot solve the structural issues within Cuba's energy system without a comprehensive modernization and diversification plan.
What is the current state of Cuba's thermal power plants?
Cuba's thermal power plants are in poor condition, with many units offline due to maintenance or technical failures, contributing to the ongoing energy shortages.