What's going on with Cuba's power grid?

REUTERS/Norlys Perez Purchase Licensing Rights The grid failure follows a string of nationwide blackouts since late last year that plunged Cuba's frail and antiquated power generation system into near-total disarray. The country has also been facing fuel, food and other shortages, along with its worst economic crisis in decades.

How has Cuba regained electricity?

In the last 24 hours, Cuba has made significant strides in restoring electricity: 7:54 a.m.: Felton 1, part of the Lidio Ramón Pérez thermal power plant in Holguín province, was synchronized with the national grid, marking an important step toward stabilizing power after the total system disconnection on October 18.

Why does Cuba have a bad energy system?

Cuba’s energy system also suffers from years of reliance on domestic, poor-quality heavy crude oil, which is corrosive because it’s high in sulfur. This has accelerated the wear and tear on boilers, turbines, and pipes in Cuba’s power plants, shortening their life spans and causing frequent and costly outages.

Why has Cuba's energy grid collapsed four times in the last 6 months?

On top of that, Cuba’s entire grid has collapsed four times in the last six months. The problem stems from years of neglect of Cuba’s energy infrastructure, exacerbated by constrained access to foreign capital and a failure to adapt to new energy options.

Why is Cuba's power system deteriorating?

As POWER has reported, Cuba’s power system has faced increasing strain since 2021, with blackouts becoming more frequent due to accidents at key generation units and aging thermal power plants. Thermal plants are outdated, with most surpassing their 30-year lifespan.

Why is the energy crisis teetering in Cuba?

Cuba is in the throes of a severe energy crisis, driven by fuel supply disruptions and compounded by obstacles in securing vital technologies and supplies needed to modernize and operate its aging power plants. The situation, exacerbated by U.S. sanctions, has left the nation’s energy system teetering.