Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant Back Online in Cuba's National Grid

The Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant (CTE), Cuba's largest and most efficient generation unit, reconnected to the National Electric System (SEN) at 7:50 p.m. local time today. Engineers are now conducting technical maneuvers to stabilize operations and gradually increase output.

Román Pérez Castañeda, the plant's technical director, told the Cuban News Agency (ACN) that the facility faces the complex process of transitioning from external power supply to self-sustained operation. This high-risk procedure requires precision in the 36-year-old facility.

"We're currently generating about 70 megawatts and aim to reach 220 MW overnight," Pérez stated. "By Saturday morning, we'll assess whether boosting output to 240 MW is feasible."

The CTE, a cornerstone of Cuba's thermal generation capacity, had been offline since Tuesday due to a boiler failure that required 72 hours of corrective maintenance. Crews completed critical repairs including:

• Fixing two damaged tubes in the high-temperature reheater and superheater

• Refractory improvements in the boiler's lower section

• Maintenance on feedwater pump discharge valves

• Electrical and automation system upgrades

With support from specialists from Havana, workers also dredged the cooling water basin, removing sediment and rocks to ensure proper seawater flow for boiler cooling.

The plant, scheduled for major capital maintenance later this year, holds strategic advantages as Cuba's westernmost generation facility – located near the country's highest demand centers – and its ability to process domestic crude oil delivered via pipeline, eliminating transportation costs.