The "Comandante Paco Cabrera" Metallic Structures Company (METUNAS) in Las Tunas is currently producing 650 tons of steel to restore the main support structure of Block 2 at the "Lidio Ramón Pérez" Thermoelectric Power Plant, located in Felton, Holguín. Despite the regime's claims that the U.S. economic "embargo" prevents access to essential components needed for repairing the deteriorating National Electric System (SEN), METUNAS is manufacturing and refurbishing hundreds of tons of steel, as reported by Canal Caribe, though the costs of these repairs remain undisclosed.
According to state media, the steel has been certified through metallographic analysis conducted by the Cuban Center for Metallurgical Research. It will be used in producing welded plates for fabricating beams and columns for Block 2 of the CTE, which is currently offline due to a malfunction. Julio César Tamayo Rodríguez, director of METUNAS, indicated that the project demanded "specialized training for welders and boilermakers," as well as the qualification of welding procedures.
Quality Assurance and Testing
Presently, tests involving X-ray and ultrasound technology are being conducted to ensure the quality of the work, with the involvement of specialists from the Holguín power plant and foreign technicians. With a triumphant tone, METUNAS positions itself as one of the companies "directly contributing to the stabilization of the National Electric System." The "Lidio Ramón Pérez" plant, with an installed capacity of 330 MW, has frequently gone offline and, even when operational, cannot reach its full power due to component failures.
Impact on Cuba's Energy Sector
In February, Block 1 of Felton was removed from the system due to a malfunction in the generator's protection system. After a seven-day cooling process and the necessary technical evaluations, specialists identified the cause of the failure and began synchronization tests. That month, a team of engineers and specialized mechanics, alongside power plant technicians, worked on uncovering the generator's upper casing to assess the internal components and proceed with necessary repairs to Block 1.
This new rehabilitation, occurring amidst widespread blackouts across the country, has sparked public discontent and complications in various sectors of the economy. Block 2 of Felton adds to other units that exacerbate the generation deficit in the country. Both this unit and Unit 3 of the Santa Cruz CTE are out of order, while five other blocks are undergoing maintenance at key plants such as Mariel, Cienfuegos, Santa Cruz, and Renté.
Underlying Issues in the Cuban Electric System
Experts have long warned that a lack of investment, technological neglect, and poor state planning have led to the collapse of Cuba's electric system. The ongoing breakdowns, coupled with prolonged and poorly coordinated maintenance efforts, highlight the government's structural inability to provide a stable and efficient electrical service.
Challenges Facing Cuba's Electrical Infrastructure
What role does METUNAS play in Cuba's energy sector?
METUNAS is involved in producing and rehabilitating steel components crucial for the repair and maintenance of Cuba's thermoelectric power plants, contributing directly to efforts aimed at stabilizing the National Electric System.
Why is the "Lidio Ramón Pérez" plant significant?
The "Lidio Ramón Pérez" plant is significant due to its 330 MW installed capacity, which is critical for the National Electric System. However, frequent outages and inability to reach full power due to component issues have made its operation challenging.
What are the main challenges for Cuba's electric system?
Cuba's electric system faces challenges such as insufficient investment, technological neglect, and poor planning, leading to frequent breakdowns and inefficient maintenance operations that fail to provide a stable power supply.