Europe's Worst Power Surge in 20 Years: Spain and Portugal Left in Darkness

Blackout in Spain and Portugal 'First of its Kind', Report Finds A devastating power surge that caused a widespread blackout in Spain and Portugal was the "most severe" in Europe in the last 20 years, and the first of its kind, according to a report released on Friday. The incident, which occurred in April, plunged areas into darkness for nearly a day, cutting internet and telephone connections and halting transport links. The report, conducted by the association of electricity grid operators Entso-e, found that the blackout was caused by "cascading overvoltages" - an increase in electrical supply voltage above safe levels. This phenomenon is considered new territory, according to Damian Cortinas, president of Entso-e. "This is new territory," Cortinas said, adding that the role of Entso-e was not to apportion blame to any party. The blackout affected large parts of Spain and Portugal, as well as southwestern France. The report focused on the condition of the power systems on the day of the outage and the sequence of events leading up to it. According to Cortinas, "the incident was a complex interplay of factors, including high temperatures, increased electricity demand, and technical issues with the grid." The blackout had significant implications for society, causing widespread disruption and economic losses. The report noted that the incident highlighted the need for improved grid resilience and more effective communication between power operators. Entso-e's findings have sparked debate among experts about the role of renewable energy sources in contributing to the blackout. Some argue that the increasing reliance on solar and wind power can lead to voltage fluctuations, while others contend that the issue lies with the grid infrastructure itself. The incident has also raised questions about the preparedness of power operators for such events. Cortinas acknowledged that "the industry needs to be more proactive in addressing these types of incidents" and emphasized the importance of investing in grid modernization and cybersecurity measures. As the investigation continues, Entso-e is working closely with national authorities to implement recommendations aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future. The report's findings serve as a wake-up call for power operators and policymakers to prioritize grid resilience and adaptability in the face of an increasingly complex energy landscape. Background: The blackout was one of the most significant disruptions to occur in Europe in recent years, affecting millions of people and causing widespread economic losses. The incident highlighted the vulnerability of modern societies to technological failures and the importance of robust infrastructure. Additional Perspectives: Experts point out that the increasing reliance on renewable energy sources can lead to voltage fluctuations, which can be exacerbated by high temperatures and increased electricity demand. Current Status and Next Developments: Entso-e is working closely with national authorities to implement recommendations aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future. The report's findings will inform policy decisions and guide investments in grid modernization and cybersecurity measures. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing grid resilience and adaptability in the face of an increasingly complex energy landscape. As the investigation continues, experts will be watching closely to see how power operators and policymakers respond to the report's findings. *Reporting by Bbc.*