Overview
Máximo Gómez (Mariel) is a 450 MW diesel power plant in Cuba, operated by Unión Eléctrica. It plays a key role in the country's power generation grid.
Máximo Gómez (Mariel) is a diesel power plant located in Mariel, Cuba, with a capacity of 450 MW. Operated by Unión Eléctrica, the facility is a significant contributor to Cuba's electricity supply, supporting industrial and residential demand in the region. The plant operates on oil as its primary fuel, a common choice for power generation in Cuba. Given the country's reliance on imported fossil fuels, the facility's efficiency and emissions profile are influenced by the age and technology of its diesel engines. Regulatory oversight falls under Cuban national energy standards, which align with broader environmental goals. As a large-scale diesel plant, Máximo Gómez (Mariel) is strategically important for grid stability in western Cuba. Its location near the port of Mariel facilitates fuel supply, while its operational status ensures continuous power delivery to the surrounding area. The plant's environmental impact is managed through national emission controls.
Environmental context
The plant's oil-based fuel source results in CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions typical of diesel power generation. Its proximity to populated areas near Mariel requires adherence to local air quality standards. The facility's age and technology level influence its thermal efficiency and emission intensity, with older diesel plants generally having higher per-MWh emissions compared to modern combined-cycle units.
Frequently asked questions
The Máximo Gómez (Mariel) power plant is located in Mariel, Cuba, near the port area. Its coordinates are approximately 23.02° N, -82.75° W.
The plant has a capacity of 450 megawatts (MW), making it a large-scale diesel power facility in Cuba.
The plant is operated by Unión Eléctrica, the state-owned electric utility in Cuba.
The plant primarily uses oil as its fuel source, which is typical for diesel power plants in Cuba.
Diesel power plants in Cuba are subject to national emission standards and environmental impact assessments. While specific regulations may vary, facilities are required to monitor and control emissions of SOx, NOx, and particulate matter to protect local air quality.