Cuba’s Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, confirmed to state media that the increase in blackouts this month is due primarily to a fuel shortage, and although there are ships in ports with fuel, they have not been able to unload it due to non-payment.
At the opening of the Third International Fair of Renewable Energies, the Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, addressed the complex situation facing the National Electric System (SEN) due to breakdowns in several generating units and the fuel shortage, factors that negatively impact electricity generation.
These statements were offered to journalist Bernardo Espinosa on Wednesday, September 18, where he confirmed the critical electrical situation in Cuba, although as usual he did not offer short-term solutions.
The Minister reported that several thermoelectric plants are experiencing technical difficulties. Unit Mariel 8, in Artemisa, is scheduled to resume operation this Thursday, while Unit Diez de Octubre 5, in Camagüey, will do so within 4 to 5 days after the repair of leaks in the boiler.
However, the Céspedes 4 unit in Cienfuegos unsuccessfully attempted to join the SEN the day before, and Havana 1 in Mayabeque is expected to begin operating this Friday after completing a pipeline repair.
What to do about the increase in blackouts in Cuba and the fuel shortage, according to officials?
Blackouts in Cuba. Fuel shortage
De la O Levy stressed that the main obstacle is the fuel shortage, not only for electricity generation but for the entire economy of the country.
At the moment, Ships with fuel are in Cuban ports, and it is expected that, through a “financial sacrifice of the country”its unloading was achieved this Thursday, despite the high costs paid weekly.
After unloading, the fuel will be distributed to power generators and service stations, with a daily consumption of 3 thousand tons of hydrocarbons on the island.
A ship with 20,000 tons of fuel covers demand for just one week, so two to three ships are needed weekly to supply diesel, gasoline, liquefied gas, fuel oil and turbo fuel, they said.
The minister also praised the joint efforts of UNE and CUPET workers, who are working hard to ensure the distribution of the limited fuel available and mitigate the energy impacts in Cuba.
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