Adapted by:
Javier Lacort
Senior WriterI write long-form content at Xataka about the intersection between technology, business and society. I also host the daily Spanish podcast Loop infinito (Infinite Loop), where we analyze Apple news and put it into perspective.
Karen Alfaro
WriterCommunications professional with a decade of experience as a copywriter, proofreader, and editor. As a travel and science journalist, I've collaborated with several print and digital outlets around the world. I'm passionate about culture, music, food, history, and innovative technologies.
According to the BBC, the Portuguese electricity company REN said the major blackout in the Iberian Peninsula was caused by a “rare atmospheric phenomenon” originating in Spanish territory and ruled out the possibility of a cyberattack.
Between the lines. According to REN, the “induced atmospheric vibration” caused by extreme temperature variations in the interior of Spain generated anomalous oscillations in very high-voltage lines (400 kV), which triggered synchronization failures between electrical systems of the interconnected European grid.
As the Portuguese operator states, full restoration of the electricity supply could take several days due to the phenomenon’s complexity and the need to rebalance electricity flows at an international level.
The operations director of Red Eléctrica Española, the Spanish power system operator, is more optimistic, estimating a normalization time of between six and 10 hours “if all goes well.” Some areas have already partially recovered their supply.
The current situation. France supplies electricity to Spain through its northern border, allowing the restoration of supply in the Basque Country and other northern regions.
- The French operator RTE confirms it has already replenished 700 MW of Spanish consumption.
- French support could increase to 950 MW once the Iberian grid is technically ready.
- Portugal has disconnected its system from Spain’s to gradually restore its service.
The official response. Authorities are avoiding speculation about the causes while the investigation continues, although they have ruled out deliberate actions.
Teresa Ribera, executive vice president for Clean, Fair and Competitive Transition, said “there’s nothing that allows us to affirm that there’s any kind of boycott or cyberattack.” Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro has called people for “patience.”
“We do not yet have conclusive information on the reasons for this (power) cut, so I ask the people, as we have done in past crises, to inform themselves through official channels,” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said in a national address. Meanwhile, essential services are running thanks to emergency generators.
Image | Fré Sonneveld (Unsplash)
View 0 comments