New failure in CTE Guiteras delays its connection to the National Electric Power System

A technical issue detected during a hydraulic test at the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant (CTE), located in Matanzas, forced the postponement of its synchronization with the Sistema Electroenergético Nacional (SEN), initially scheduled for this Friday. The discovery of a crack in the boiler structure complicates efforts to reactivate one of the key plants to mitigate blackouts in Cuba.

Technical failure details

As explained Rubén Campos Olmos, general director of the CTE Guiteras, to the newspaper Girón, the problem was located in the right side wall of the boiler, specifically at the height of third level of burners, during a routine hydraulic test. “To access the affected area, 20 meters high, it is necessary to set up a bamba (scaffold)This process, along with the repair, could take about a 10 hours from the start of work at 7:00 a.m.,” detailed Campos Olmos.

The executive emphasized that, after the repair, a will be carried out new hydraulic test to guarantee the integrity of the system before proceeding with the startup. "If no further faults are detected, we would restart the operation," he added.

Causes of the problem and previous experience

Campos Olmos pointed out that the prolonged stops In thermoelectric power plants, thermal stresses often generate cracks, especially in vulnerable areas such as the pipesIt is something we anticipate from experience. These tensions seek release and first affect the weakest areas. That is why the hydraulic test was crucial: had it gone well, we would already have two active burners," he explained.

The delay means that the Guiteras CTE, whose capacity is equivalent to 6 hours of blackout reduction, will not be operational for the today's peak demand, although their arrival is expected at dawn on Saturday, provided the repairs are successfully completed.

Felton: A temporary relief

While the setback in Guiteras is being resolved, the executive highlighted the reactivation of the Felton boiler, another thermoelectric power plant, as positive news. “Felton is already contributing to the system and reduces almost 5 hours of blackouts during peak hours,” he specified.

Impact on the Electric System

The Guiteras Thermal Power Plant, with a capacity of 260 MW, is a critical piece for stabilizing the national grid. Its temporary absence increases the pressure on the SEN, already affected by a chronic generation shortfall. Authorities reiterate that the priority is to ensure technical safety before its reinstatement, avoiding greater risks.

Next Steps

The brigades are working against the clock to resolve the failure and meet the new schedule. Meanwhile, the Electric Union (UNE) is monitoring the situation and adjusting distribution plans to minimize the impact on the population.

With information from Girón and official statements.