Hanabanilla Hydroelectric Plant: A Jewel of Cuban Civil Engineering

The Hanabanilla hydroelectric plant stands as a testament to Cuban engineering and the dedication of its workforce, proving that even aging infrastructure can remain vital with proper care and passion. Located deep underground, this facility, operational for over six decades, is crucial for maintaining the stability of Cuba's National Electric System (SEN).

Granma celebrates the plant's recent National Award for Restoration and Conservation, recognizing the immense effort and sacrifice involved in preserving this engineering marvel. Director Ángel Nervis Pérez Marín highlights the collective commitment of his team, who work tirelessly in challenging conditions – constant humidity and artificial light – to generate clean energy.

Beyond its role in energy production, Hanabanilla serves a critical function in stabilizing the national grid. Its turbines automatically engage when the grid's frequency falls below 59 or 60 Hz, providing essential reliability during potential emergencies. This automatic response capability underscores the plant's importance, especially in a nation often facing energy challenges.

The article also delves into the plant's unique construction, initiated in the early 1950s. Reaching the turbines requires a six-minute journey via a cable car descending a 348-meter-long, 42-degree inclined railway, a journey that highlights the ingenuity and scale of the project. The existence of a 1,064-step emergency exit staircase further emphasizes the plant's subterranean nature and the meticulous planning involved in its creation.

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The award is a recognition of all of us who have been working on this site for many years, at the cost of much sacrifice.