The National Electric System (NES) in Cuba is grappling with another critical day on Monday, March 24, with a power generation deficit surpassing 1,400 MW, as reported by the official data from the Electric Union (UNE). This shortfall has resulted in extended blackouts nationwide. Although electricity service was briefly restored at 3:44 a.m., disruptions resumed by 4:51 a.m. The previous day's highest recorded deficit was 1,475 MW at 8:00 p.m., coinciding with peak demand hours, due to unexpected outages at Renté Unit 6 and Mariel Unit 6.
As of 7:00 a.m. today, NES's available capacity was 1,837 MW against a demand of 2,200 MW, causing an initial shortfall of 457 MW. The UNE projects that midday conditions will see an impact of 850 MW, and during the evening peak, demand is expected to reach 3,250 MW, with only 1,897 MW available, potentially leading to a shortfall of up to 1,423 MW.
Currently, Renté Unit 6 and Felton Unit 2 are out of service due to failures. Additionally, five other units are undergoing scheduled maintenance. On top of this, 84 distributed generation plants remain inactive due to a lack of fuel, resulting in an additional loss of 521 MW.
Scheduled Blackouts in Havana
In Havana, the Electric Company has announced blackout schedules by time blocks:
- Block 3: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Block 4: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Block 2: 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Block 1: 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Meanwhile, the Cuban government continues to push its renewable energy strategy, focusing on solar power. Authorities announced on Sunday that the Jovellanos II photovoltaic park in Matanzas is in the testing phase and is expected to contribute 21.87 MW to the NES. It is the first of three solar parks planned for that province by 2025.
Solar Initiatives Amidst Crisis
President Miguel Díaz-Canel has vowed that 55 new solar parks will be operational before the year ends, with a total capacity of 1,200 MW. However, experts caution that while this is a necessary alternative, the structural crisis of Cuba's electric system cannot be resolved solely with clean energy, given the ongoing issues with thermoelectric plants, insufficient investment, and fuel shortages.
This weekend, the government also received a shipment of equipment donated by China to aid the photovoltaic expansion amidst one of the island's worst energy crises in recent years.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What is causing the energy deficit in Cuba?
The energy deficit in Cuba is primarily due to unexpected outages at key power units, a lack of fuel for distributed generation plants, and insufficient capacity to meet peak demand.
How is the Cuban government addressing the energy crisis?
The Cuban government is focusing on expanding renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, and has announced the construction and operation of new solar parks to enhance capacity.
Can renewable energy solve Cuba's power issues?
While renewable energy is a critical component of the solution, experts warn that it cannot fully resolve the crisis due to systemic issues in the existing power infrastructure and other economic challenges.