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The official local medium Girón has displayed images of the dilapidated Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, the highest generator in the country and also one of the most unstable.
In a photo report published on Girón, titled "The Rusty Bones of the Guiteras Can No Longer Endure," the regime's media, personifying the power plant, has described it as an old, worn-out body, now without strength.
Romanticizing the situation of the decaying thermoelectric plant that repeatedly goes offline due to breakdowns, the text and accompanying photos reveal the deplorable state of one of the facilities that supports the country's electricity generation.
La Guiteras, as noted by Guillermo Carmona Rodríguez in his text, is corroded by salt and receives constant temporary repairs that do not address the wear and tear of its machines.
"The saltpeter slowly eats away at the old bones of the ship. Its iron takes on the consistency of coral: pitted and a dull red color. When a strong gust of wind blows, small splinters detach from the supporting beams, from the grates that serve as flooring, and from the narrow stairs with missing segments in their railings," the text reads.
La Guiteras, of French technology, provides 240 megawatts (MW), and although it could potentially generate around 320, its capacity has been limited after 35 years of operation and without investments to fully restore it.
The technicians, as they communicated to the official reporter, are working tirelessly at the thermoelectric plant but they cannot work miracles.
"If the blackouts are currently around 12 hours, when we manage to get in, they would reduce to six," comments Román Pérez Castañeda, one of the interviewed workers.
"We are at risk due to the height, because we work with fire; but it can be managed," said another worker.
While the regime continues to invest the majority of the State's budget in tourism, basic services such as electricity, water, and gas are deteriorating.
The energy crisis in Cuba worsens with each passing day, and the collapse of the National Electric System (SEN) seems to have no immediate solution.
The informational report from the Electric Union (UNE) this Friday indicated that there was a generation deficit throughout the previous day, with no improvements during the early hours of February 28, 2025.
At 07:00 hours this Friday, the availability of the National Electric System (SEN) was at 1,520 MW, while the demand reached 2,315 MW, resulting in an impact of 882 MW on the electricity supply. The forecast for noon estimates an impact of 1,150 MW, with a greater incidence in the central-eastern region of the country.
During peak demand hours, the UNE projected a capacity of 1,695 MW against a demand of 3,250 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,555 MW and an estimated impact of 1,625 MW, with a greater effect in the central-eastern region of Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Crisis at the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant in Cuba
What is the current status of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant?
The Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant is in a state of significant deterioration, with multiple breakdowns and evident wear and tear due to a lack of comprehensive maintenance and prolonged operation. Recent images have revealed its ruinous condition, and the plant has gone offline several times due to technical failures.
What impact does the Guiteras crisis have on Cuba's electricity supply?
The crisis at Guiteras worsens the electrical deficit in Cuba, leading to prolonged power outages that impact the population and productive sectors. The electricity generation deficit has reached alarming figures, exceeding 1,500 MW, especially in the central-eastern region of the country.
When is the general maintenance of the Guiteras expected?
A general maintenance of Guiteras has been scheduled for the end of 2025. This maintenance is crucial for restoring its generation capacity and enhancing its efficiency, although there are concerns about its effective implementation due to the country's economic constraints.
What are the main causes of the breakdowns at Guiteras?
The main causes of breakdowns are wear and tear on the facilities and corrosion from salt, in addition to inadequate maintenance and prolonged use of the plant beyond its useful life. These conditions have resulted in frequent failures of the boiler and other critical components of the plant.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the energy crisis?
The government has promised to carry out general maintenance on the Guiteras by the end of 2025 and has assured that the necessary resources and funding have been secured. However, the public remains skeptical due to a history of unfulfilled promises and the lack of structural solutions to the energy problem.
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