Spain's Power Grid: Over 90% Restored After Widespread Outage
Power in Spain and Portugal has largely been reinstated following a widespread power outage that paralyzed much of the Iberian Peninsula.
Almost 92 percent of Spain's power has been restored, according to REE, the nation's electric grid operator, stated early Tuesday. Additionally, approximately 80 percent of consumers in Portugal are reportedly receiving electricity again.
Spain has announced a state of emergency, which is thought to be Europe’s largest power cut .
The reason for the original malfunction in the area's power network is still being investigated , and the EU has maintained that they found no evidence suggesting it was a cyberattack.
However, a heavy reliance The belief is that increased reliance on solar and wind energy has rendered the area's electrical grid more susceptible to such large-scale disruptions.
The Portuguese grid operator REN suggested that one potential reason for the blackout could be "a significant fluctuation in electrical voltage" which originated in Spain's power network and extended into Portugal's infrastructure.
Pedro Sánchez, the Prime Minister of Spain, stated that his administration would work "around the clock" to reinstate electricity across the country.
During his speech to the public, Mr. Sanchez stated, "All state resources are being utilized to reinstate regular supplies at the earliest opportunity."
He stated, "We will be operating continuously throughout the night. Demonstrating professionalism and dedication. Just as Spain consistently does in such scenarios."
The unforeseen blackouts across Spain, Portugal, and portions of southern France disrupted the routines of millions, causing flight cancellations, ceasing train operations, and leaving entire cities without power or communication services.
Hospitals had to transition to their backup generator systems due to the situation. long delays at airports were recorded.
Madrid’s Barajas International Airport and Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport were shut down due to lack of power, whereas emergency generators were turned on at Barcelona airport.
Lisbon’s airport has since reopened, but the airport’s management company is advising customers to contact their airline before going there.
Once the electricity failed, everyday activities came to a standstill for countless individuals.
In Madrid and Barcelona, individuals stumbled out onto the streets clutching their smartphones, attempting futilely to link with a network.
Individuals eager for updates lined up for battery-powered radios to receive news about the situation. power cut .
“Ian Tozer, residing in Barcelona, mentioned, ‘We have returned to traditional techniques,’” he stated.
The Madrid Open tennis competition was abandoned. Jacob Fearnley The British tennis player had to withdraw from the clay court match as both the scoreboards and an overhead camera above the court were impacted by the power failure.
Long queues stretched outside supermarkets, ATMs, and gas stations, leaving individuals unsure whether they could make purchases using cards or cash alone.
The shelves were left empty on the Iberian Peninsula due to concerns that the power outage might indicate an impending food scarcity.
Navigating to the stores proved to be difficult. Following the failure of the traffic signals, the authorities advised motorists to avoid driving.
The police were managing traffic at several key intersections since the signals had ceased functioning, leading to numerous roads becoming congested.
At a key intersection, employees from the nearby padel tennis gear shop utilized stop signs to assist with traffic management.
The trains and subways came to a halt due to the power failure.
The head of Renfe, Spain’s national rail system, stated that they have successfully rescued 114 trains, affecting over 35,000 individuals, with numerous trains currently undergoing towing operations. By the end of Monday, only three trains remained unevacuated.
The video footage from Madrid depicted passengers navigating through dimly lit passageways of the city’s subway system, whereas in Bilbao, individuals riding a funicular had to disembark and trek alongside railway tracks instead.
When darkness descended, over 30 railway stations throughout Spain stayed open all night to provide shelter for travelers who were stuck.
Adif, the railway management entity in Spain, released pictures showing travelers slumbering on cots, chairs, and even the floor at various stations nationwide.
It remains uncertain whether services will resume their regular schedule on Tuesday.
However, for those desperately wanting to travel, the suspension of train and metro services forced them to endure long waits in line for a bus as their only option.
Travelers informed El País that certain lines extended for multiple city blocks, and many buses were bypassing stops as they had reached maximum capacity.
Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida, the conservative mayor of Madrid, stated that he anticipated Tuesday to be a challenging day for transportation in the city. However, he revealed that buses would operate as usual and provide complimentary service.
The president of Madrid’s regional government had earlier requested that the army be deployed to the region to maintain order, but the request has so far not been answered.
Mr. Sanchez pledged to reinstate electricity across the country "shortly" with assistance from Morocco and France.
In Portugal, Prime Minister Luis Montenegro stated that electricity would be completely reinstated later that evening. He mentioned that all government services continued to function within the nation regardless of the challenges faced.
01:35 AM BST
That’s it for today
Thank you for joining us for this live update. We'll return tomorrow with continued coverage as Spain and Portugal slowly restore their power following the significant blackout on Monday.
01:26 AM BST
Most of the power has returned in Portugal.
Approximately 80 percent of Portuguese citizens hold power, according to the country's Prime Minister Luis Montenegro.
According to the Lusa news agency, as of midnight local time, 424 substations serving 6.2 million customers have been partly restored.
The homepage for E-Redes, Portugal's electric utility provider, redirects to a statement reading: "We understand that there is currently no electricity. This issue stems from problems in the Iberian region. Power restoration efforts are ongoing but progressing at an increased pace."
01:08 AM BST
Seven out of every ten areas in Spain have had their electricity reinstated.
Over seventy-five percent of Spain's power supply has been reinstated, according to REE, the nation's electric utility company.
By 2:00 am local time, demand recovery reached 77.7 percent, and 96 percent of substations were back online, according to REE.
12:57 AM BST
Railway stations return to regular operations and assist passengers who were stuck
Services at train stations throughout Spain have returned to normal, and over 30 stations are now accessible to travelers even without a specific destination, according to Adif, which manages railways in the country.
Today, train services have been halted, and it remains uncertain whether transportation will resume as usual tomorrow.
Adif stated that the stations can also handle additional passengers when needed.
Adif also posted pictures showing travelers slumbering on cots, chairs, and even the floor at train stations nationwide.
12:27 AM BST
Shown: Extensive lines for buses throughout Spain
As metro systems and trains remained non-operational, travelers throughout Spain found themselves with just one option: spending long hours in line for a bus.
Travelers informed El País that certain lines extended for multiple city blocks, and many buses were bypassing stops as they had reached maximum capacity.
Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida, the conservative leader of Madrid, anticipated Tuesday to be a challenging day for transportation within the city. However, he declared that buses would operate as usual with no charges attached.
11:56 PM BST
Passengers who are stranded may find accommodation at train stations, according to the minister.
Train stations throughout Spain will remain open during nighttime hours to accommodate stranded passengers, according to Oscar Puente, the nation’s transportation minister.
Mr. Puente stated that at least 15 stations, such as those in Madrid, Seville, and Málaga, will provide shelter for individuals who require taking a train but do not have another place to stay.
"The aim is to simplify things for those who must travel by train and have no alternative but to spend the night," he stated in an X post.
Mr. Puente mentioned that the UME, a division of the Spanish armed forces tasked with offering disaster assistance, has supplied blankets to individuals at Atocha Station located in southeastern Madrid.
11:45 PM BST
Three trains remain stuck in Spain.
The head of Renfe, Spain's national railroad corporation, stated that passengers aboard three trains are still awaiting rescue.
Alvaro F Heredia stated that 114 train rescue operations were successfully carried out today, assisting over 35,000 individuals.
"The top priority so far has been to rescue and evacuate all passenger-carrying trains," Mr. Heredia stated.
Three trains still need to be salvaged in cooperation with state security agencies. Currently, efforts are underway to retrieve the trains, clear the tracks, and organize the services.
Renfe stated in a tweet that train services are progressively resuming, and assured that all travelers impacted by the "unusual circumstance" will be provided with transportation to their ultimate destinations.
11:28 PM BST
Pedro Sanchez has a meeting with the heads of electric companies.
The image shows Pedro Sánchez, Spain’s Prime Minister, holding a discussion with the heads of REE, which manages the nation’s electrical grid, amid efforts to reinstate power following a widespread outage.
11:26 PM BST
Pedro Sanchez: We will labor through the night to get electricity back on
Pedro Sánchez, the Prime Minister of Spain, stated that his administration would work "around the clock" to reinstate electricity across the country.
During his speech to the public, Mr. Sanchez stated, "All state resources are being utilized to reinstate regular supplies at the earliest opportunity."
He stated, "We will be operating continuously throughout the night. Demonstrating professionalism and dedication. Just as Spain consistently does in such scenarios."
11:16 PM BST
More than 60 percent of electricity in Spain has been reinstated.
Over 60 percent of the power has been reinstated, according to Spain’s electricity provider, as recovery operations persist through the evening.
By midnight local time, 61.35 percent of the demand has been restored, according to REE, and 78 percent of the substations have been energized.
11:09 PM BST
Lisbon airport reopens
The airport in Lisbon has been reopened for travelers, according to Portugal's Lusa news agency.
Nevertheless, the management company of the airport, ANA, suggests that individuals should reach out to their respective airlines for details regarding their flights prior to heading there.
Earlier today, the airport was in complete disarray due to widespread flight disruptions. Motorists had no choice but to leave their vehicles behind and proceed on foot towards the terminal. Law enforcement arrived to manage access points at the airport, as throngs of travelers waited inside, laden with luggage.
10:49 PM BST
Certain Spaniards were ready following the floods.
A man from Spain stated that the power outage experienced today was "nothing" when contrasted with the severe flooding that struck the nation in the previous year.
Manuel Algaba, aged 54, residing in the Valencian town of Paiporta, spoke to the Spanish newspaper El País and stated that the power outage was "minuscule in comparison to what we endured."
Around 8:30 PM local time, power was largely restored in most parts of Paiporta, one of the communities severely affected by the flooding where numerous individuals lost their lives, according to reports from El País.
“Streets have water but no mud,” Mr. Algaba noted additionally.
A local resident named Miguel Lopez stated, "The community is ready for such events. Many people maintain supplies like candles, canned foods, and even battery-operated radios in their homes."
10:24 PM BST
Most of Spain's electricity has been restored.
More than fifty percent of Spain's power has been reinstated, according to the country's electrical authority.
By 11:00 PM local time, REE reported that 51 percent of the demand "has now been restored," and 70 percent of the substations have been "powered up."
The recovery is slowly broadening as the nation hastens to resume full functionality.
10:13 PM BST
Nearly half of Spain's electricity has been reinstated.
About fifty percent of Spain's power has been reinstated, according to the country's electrical authority.
As of 10:30 PM local time, 48.2 percent of electricity demand has returned to normal levels, with 66 percent of the grid's substations operational.
09:41 PM BST
Portugal’s potential to bounce back in 'the upcoming hours'
Portugal's Prime Minister Luis Mendonça states that electricity across the nation will be completely reinstated in the following hours.
He mentioned that all governmental services continued to function within the nation regardless of all the challenges faced.
09:06 PM BST
Shown: Night approaches as daylight fades into darkness.
08:56 PM BST
'Third of Spanish Power Reinstated'
Over 35 percent of Spain’s power capacity has now been reinstated, according to the country’s REE electricity operator.
The Renewable Energy System (REE) is fulfilling "35.1 percent of demand," according to Eduardo Prieto, the REE's operations director, who spoke with Cadena Ser radio.
The firm previously stated that electricity was being "gradually" reinstated throughout the nation.
08:51 PM BST
Electricity returned for residents in parts of Portugal
On Monday evening, Portugal's electricity supplier REN stated that they had managed to restore power for approximately 750,000 out of their 6.5 million customers.
The supply stations for Portugal's northernmost major city, Porto, have resumed operations, and according to an REN representative speaking with AFP, the situation should normalize "soon."
According to Reuters, electricity has also been reinstated in certain areas of central Lisbon.
08:28 PM BST
Thousands of police deployed
The Spanish Interior Ministry has announced that they are dispatching 30,000 law enforcement personnel as the power outage extends through the later part of the evening.
It stated they are distributing them across the country for security purposes.
08:14 PM BST
Disruptions to flights persist in Spain and Portugal.
Interruptions to air travel persist across the Iberian Peninsula due to extensive electrical blackouts.
On Monday, Portugal’s airport operator ANA stated that they anticipated flights wouldn’t resume from Lisbon until after 10 p.m. local time. The company mentioned in a release that activities were ongoing at both Porto and Faro airports; however, these operations faced certain restrictions.
IAG's Spanish carrier Iberia announced the cancellation of 23 out of the 247 flights set for Monday. Due to challenges in reaching airports, the airline has offered all affected passengers an opportunity to rearrange their travel plans at their earliest convenience.
07:56 PM BST
The internet has been inundated with comparisons to Netflix's 'Zero Day.'
Dropped into darkness and stuck on an underground train, passengers in Spain who were familiar with Netflix’s 'Zero Day' might have experienced an unsettling feeling of deja vu.
A six-episode dramatic show, which depicted America coming to a halt following a devastating cyberattack by digital terrorists, had been running for just ten weeks when Spain experienced its own countrywide blackout.
In just five seconds of the show’s preview clip, a train abruptly brakes with great force, causing panic among its passengers as they lurch around inside the car.
When real-life footage emerged of commuters in Barcelona abandoning their trains and gingerly making their way along railway tracks, their path illuminated solely by their phone torches, it did not take long for comparisons to start being made.
Social media was inundated with people posting videos, photos, and news articles about the turmoil spreading through Spain and portions of Portugal and France, all tagged with 'Zero Day'.
Even though Spanish investigators haven't dismissed the idea of foul play, they consider a technical malfunction or adverse weather conditions as more probable causes.
07:45 PM BST
Twenty percent of Spain's power has been reinstated, according to the operator.
Over twenty percent of Spain’s power capacity has been reinstated, according to the country’s REE electricity operator, who announced this late Monday as they worked to address a significant blackout.
REE said “more than one fifth of the peninsula’s demand” had been reconnected with some from domestic power plants and some imported from France.
The supply was gradually being reinstated throughout Spain, it mentioned on X.
Electricity has been restored in different areas of Madrid.
07:21 PM BST
Ukraine provides energy support to Spain, Portugal, and France.
Ukraine is extending its support to Spain, Portugal, and France after the extensive power outages.
Andrii Sybiha, the foreign minister, stated that Kyiv has already reached out to these three nations to exchange its "vast expertise" related to power disruptions caused by Russia's airstrikes on Ukraine's electrical infrastructure.
He mentioned that Ukraine is "expecting detailed listings of concrete steps that can be implemented" and stressed that they will remain in "constant communication" for additional collaboration.
07:11 PM BST
'Large voltage fluctuations' could be responsible for the power outage.
The Portuguese grid operator REN stated that they couldn't dismiss the possibility of a "significant fluctuation" in electric voltages originating from Spain's grid as being responsible for the widespread blackouts.
This seems to be a clearer explanation of a previous statement indicating that the reductions were because of "unusual weather fluctuations" resulting from a "unique atmospheric event".
João Conceição, a member of the REN board, informed journalists on Monday evening that an potential reason could be "significant fluctuations in electrical voltage levels, initially within the Spanish grid, which subsequently affected the Portuguese network."
"If the decision rested solely with REN, the nation would have power supply from daybreak, yet sadly, it's not only REN's say in this matter," he remarked.
He mentioned that the operator still did not have "any information" indicating whether a cyberattack was responsible.
06:34 PM BST
Energy recovery 'particularly intricate' in Portugal
Portugal’s grid operator REN stated that reinstating electricity across the nation would be "especially intricate" when contrasted with Spain.
Portugal depends solely on its own resources, not receiving contributions from France and Morocco as Spain does, according to the statement.
Spain and Portugal possess a deeply interconnected energy network that functions independently as an energy island but maintains connections to the broader European grid via limited transboundary links with France.
06:21 PM BST
Almost 300 individuals were saved from elevators in Madrid.
On Monday, emergency services conducted 286 rescue missions to liberate individuals stuck in elevators within the Madrid area of Spain due to a countrywide power failure.
"What we're encountering more often these days are incidents involving individuals stuck in elevators. We've had 286 such requests," stated Isabel Diaz Ayuso, the leader of Madrid’s regional government, during an interview with Antena 3.
The extensive metro network of the Spanish capital, which transports approximately two million individuals each day, was evacuated "without incident," she further stated.
06:09 PM BST
View: Commuters in Spain navigate through the blackout
06:04 PM BST
Should you be new here, this is what we have learned up until now:
- A large-scale electrical blackout crippled Spain, Portugal, and portions of southern France earlier today.
- It is believed to have been caused by “extreme weather” that led to a “rare atmospheric phenomenon”
- However, the reason is still being looked into, as stated by Spain’s prime minister.
- Dozens of millions of individuals continue to be impacted throughout the Iberian Peninsula.
- Officials were working urgently to get electricity back online before nightfall when solar energy would no longer be available.
- Across numerous urban centers, airports shut down, train and metro services halted, and traffic signals ceased functioning.
- The telecommunications systems failed, whereas hospitals switched to backup generators.
- Spain stated that electricity would be reinstated shortly, whereas Portugal mentioned it might take up to a week for things to get back to normal.
- Portugal and the EU dismissed a cyberattack as the culprit, even though Spain first thought it might be responsible for the incident.
- Individuals are still stuck in elevators and subway cars.
- Scrambles for groceries and beverages have been observed at stores throughout Spain and Portugal.
- The play was canceled at the Madrid Open.
05:50 PM BST
Shown: Traffic congestion in Lisbon due to chaotic traffic lights
05:38 PM BST
Spanish Prime Minister: Power Will Be Restored Nationwide 'Soon'
Spain hopes to reinstate national power "shortly," according to the nation's prime minister, following a huge blackout that impacted the Iberian Peninsula and ground activities to a stop.
Connections with neighboring countries like France and Morocco have partly resumed supplies, while "both combined cycle and hydroelectric power stations across the nation have also been brought back online," Pedro Sánchez stated during a television announcement. This restoration efforts are expected to help restore electricity supply nationwide in Spain shortly.
05:36 PM BST
Individuals hurry to purchase provisions in Madrid.
At a supermarket in Madrid, shoppers were grabbing water, eggs, and milk, with several shelves already bare as queues developed at the checkout counters.
I exited my workplace when the electricity abruptly cut off, and I noticed people were starting to purchase items," said Joanly Perez, a 33-year-old physician from Madrid, speaking with Reuters. "Individuals seem uncertain about potential future events and are stocking up on essential goods as a precaution.
Oliver Ortiz, a 45-year-old butcher, mentioned that he also opted for purchasing cans of food "as a precaution".
In Madrid, numerous stores and taxicabs stopped processing electronic transactions, with certain neighborhood businesses offering credit to regular patrons instead.
In Portugal, numerous supermarkets located in the capital city of Lisbon and the southern resort town of Vilamoura were closed.
05:19 PM BST
Spanish Prime Minister Claims Unidentified Reason for Blackout
The reason for the widespread power failures in Spain, Portugal, and certain areas of France remains unclear, according to Spain’s prime minister. He urged citizens to remain calm during this outage.
Following the paralysis of the Iberian Peninsula due to what could become Europe's biggest power outage, Pedro Sanchez maintained that there was still no "definitive information" regarding the cause of the abrupt outages.
He urged citizens to refrain from traveling, limit their use of mobile phones, and "cooperate with all authorities, acting responsibly and politely." He also assured them that power would be restored soon.
Portugal thinks it might take as long as a week to return to regular power supply levels.
Each nation has a deeply interconnected power system that functions like an isolated energy entity and is connected to the broader European network primarily via several transnational connections extending into France.
05:03 PM BST
View: Massive gridlock in Madrid
Madrid has come to a partial halt due to the continuing power outage.
Video footage reveals massive lines of vehicles trapped in severe traffic congestion surrounding the city center.
The power outages affected traffic lights, leading to chaotic conditions, whereas the lack of subway services and train operations has compelled numerous people to use their cars for transportation instead.
04:55 PM BST
Spain's inter-city train services will not be reinstated today.
The transportation minister of Spain stated that the nation's inter-city train services won’t resume today, leaving thousands of travelers stuck due to the extensive power failure.
"Currently, it is not anticipated that the operation of medium and long-distance trains will be resumed... Our efforts are focused on ensuring that once power supplies are reinstated, we can reinstate these services, though this won’t be feasible today," stated Oscar Puente on X.
Mr. Puente stated that local commuter services might resume operations within just two hours after power is reinstated. However, he noted that ensuring safety for medium and long-distance rail networks would require more time.
He mentioned that his aim was for extended route services to be operational by tomorrow provided that the electricity is back online today.
04:46 PM BST
The Spanish government has been called upon to announce a state of emergency.
The president of Andalusia’s regional authority has called for the blackout in Spain to be declared a national emergency.
Juanma Moreno stated: "We urge the Spanish government to proclaim a state of national emergency in order to enhance cooperation across the region impacted by the blackout."
"PRUDENCE, please," he added over channel X.
Earlier, the president of Madrid’s regional government called on the government to deploy the army to the capital to maintain order.
04:41 PM BST
Shown: Individuals in Madrid looking for transportation alternatives
04:30 PM BST
Power has been restored in portions of northern, southern, and western Spain.
The electricity supply has been restored in portions of northern, southern, and western Spain, according to the grid operator on Monday. This came after a widespread blackout caused significant disruption for millions throughout the Iberian Peninsula.
Red Eléctrica stated in a release that electricity has begun to be supplied to residents in various regions across the northern, southern, and western parts of the peninsula as tension was gradually reinstated in substation facilities throughout these zones.
04:22 PM BST
The Spanish seek clarity amidst the disorder.
The scope of the power outage affecting Spain remains unclear even to Spaniards who are seeking answers amidst the confusion.
When addressing citizens of the nation, certain individuals think that only Spain is impacted, whereas others appear to feel that all of Europe is experiencing the effects.
“A worried local informs me that Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and Germany have been impacted,” I was told. “But I am uncertain about which details are accurate.”
Another community member, Iain Tozer, who resides in Barcelona, mentioned that he has gone back to using traditional radios to stay updated with the news.
They mentioned that it's widespread across Spain, Portugal, and Italy, but it hasn’t reached us yet. Now we're reverting to traditional approaches.
04:16 PM BST
Spain's nuclear facilities in 'secure' shut down mode
On Monday, Spain's nuclear power plants shut down automatically due to a widespread blackout, however, officials stated that diesel generators were maintaining the facilities in a "safe condition."
The closure of Spain’s nuclear facilities following an unforeseen power disruption was consistent with their designed response protocols, according to a statement from the Spanish Nuclear Safety Council (CSN).
04:11 PM BST
Many British flights possibly impacted
Up to tens of thousands of British air travelers might face potential disruptions due to the airport issues arising from the power failure.
Over 500 flights were set to depart from Britain today heading towards airports in Portugal and Spain.
TAP Air, the Portuguese carrier, stated: "Because of the electricity outages affecting multiple European nations, the functionality of airports has been significantly reduced for now. TAP advises passengers not to head to the airport until they receive additional updates."
A total of 399 planned departures originated from British airports heading to Spanish locations, totaling 75,000 seats.
An additional 105 were set to depart for Portuguese airfields, with roughly 20,000 seats accessible, as per data from aviation analysis firm Cirium.
The majority of short-haul flights typically operate at an 80-90 percent occupancy rate. Despite the end of the Easter holiday period last week, airline representatives anticipate that this would have little effect on these numbers.
In total, 3,005 flights—both departures and arrivals—are planned at Spanish airports for today. Meanwhile, there are expected to be 709 departures from Portugal and 722 arrivals.
The Lisbon Airport has been shut down for all incoming flights until 4:30 PM GMT, according to Eurocontrol, the air traffic control organization.
Madrid and Barcelona are currently functioning at diminished capacities indefinitely, though Eurocontrol notes that "the situation is getting better" at Barcelona.
04:09 PM BST
Portuguese Prime Minister: Blackout Resulted from Problem in Spain
Portugal's Prime Minister Luís Montenegro stated that all indications point to the origin of the significant power outage having started in Spain.
Mr. Montenegro stated that his cabinet is collaborating with the Spanish government to gain a better understanding of the circumstances, whereas the Portuguese intelligence services are conducting an investigation.
04:03 PM BST
Accounts of 'runaway shopping' at grocery stores
Extensive reports indicate widespread panic buying occurring throughout Spain and Portugal.
Photos have revealed bare shelves in grocery stores throughout the Iberian Peninsula due to concerns that blackouts might result in a supply shortfall.
Large crowds have gathered at gas stations and cash machines, while individuals are hurriedly purchasing power banks and battery-powered radios.
A significant number of households throughout the area have likewise been cut off from potable water.
03:51 PM BST
The EU leader stated that "as things stand now, there are no signs" of a cyberattack.
The head of the European Union stated that "as of now, there are no signs of any cyberattack" following a significant power outage that affected both Spain and Portugal.
"Grid operators in both nations are collaborating to determine the source of the issue and restore power supplies," Antonio Costa, who leads the European Council, stated on X following discussions with leaders from Spain and Portugal.
03:46 PM BST
Dependence on solar energy made the Iberian electricity network 'susceptible' to issues.
According to an expert, the significant influx of solar power into the electricity networks of Spain and Portugal might have rendered the Iberian power grid more susceptible to malfunctions or cyberattacks.
This requirement stems from the necessity for "inertia" within the electrical grid, a result of generators with rotating components—like those operating on natural gas, coal, or hydro power.
These turbines can accelerate or decelerate to assist in regulating the power frequency, ensuring it stays within specific boundaries. Additionally, inertia serves as a safeguard against abrupt frequency decreases caused by faults, providing grid operators with valuable time to activate backup sources of generation.
Solar panels do not produce inertia within the system; nonetheless, there are recognized problems associated with insufficient inertia in the Iberian power grid.
Around 10 am today, approximately two hours prior to the power outages, nearly 60 percent of Spain’s electricity was produced by solar farms, as indicated by transparent data sources.
During midday meals, electricity usage typically decreases, indicating reduced demand for natural gas within Spain’s network, according to Kathryn Porter, an independent energy analyst.
Ms. Porter stated, "A grid malfunction could lead to an uneven distribution of frequency, and within a setting with minimal inertia, this frequency can fluctuate at a quicker rate."
If a major grid malfunction occurs in a specific region, or if there’s a cyberattack, or any such event, grid operators will have reduced time for response. This could result in widespread system failures unless the situation is swiftly managed.
The increasing dependence on solar power has reduced inertia on the grid to a level where it becomes more challenging to address disturbances like major transmission failures.
Yet, she noted, if cyberattacks lead to power outages across various sections of the grid, additional inertia wouldn’t have made a difference.
03:45 PM BST
In images: Chaos ensues as travel disruptions spread throughout Spain
03:39 PM BST
View: Travelers compelled to trek along train tracks in Bilbao
03:25 PM BST
'Exceptional weather' cited as cause of widespread power outages across Europe
The massive power cuts affecting Spain, Portugal, and a portion of France were attributed to extreme weather conditions, according to statements from the network operators.
Portugal's grid operator REN stated that "unusual fluctuations in temperatures" led to a "unique weather event" resulting in the outages.
It is believed that Europe's biggest-ever power outage caused flight cancellations, disrupted train operations, plunged entire cities into darkness without electricity or internet access, and affected millions who lost essential services.
On Monday evening, Spanish power grids were rushing to get electricity back online before dusk hit, as this is typically when solar energy production drops significantly, potentially cutting off about one-third of the nation’s electrical supply.
Spain's energy operator Red Eléctrica estimates that it might take between six to ten hours to restore power across the nation. In Portugal, REN stated they believe it could take as long as one week for services to return to normal.
Red Electric previously stated that they thought the disruptions were due to "a very intense fluctuation in the electrical grid" which resulted in Spain's power system becoming "separated from the European network," causing the breakdown of the Iberian electricity network at 12:38.
The statement came after worries arose about a possible connection between a cyberattack and the power outages; however, the European Union declared that they currently see no evidence supporting these suspicions.
03:19 PM BST
Portugal states that there is no proof of a cyberattack.
The Portuguese authorities have stated that they do not have any evidence of a cyberattack.
The Spanish newspaper El País conducted an interview with an expert who suggested that the power outage could have been caused by alternative explanations.
Lukasz Olejnik from King’s College London stated, "Organizing such a extensive and coordinated assault would be incredibly challenging."
There isn’t a distinct indicator that can definitively tell us whether a power outage is definitely caused by a cyberattack. All observations made until now could equally well point towards regular, unintentional reasons. Therefore, it’s crucial to conduct thorough investigations and steer clear of spreading rumors or false information."
03:12 PM BST
Have you been impacted by the outages? Do you happen to have any pictures?
Have you been impacted by the electricity blackouts occurring throughout Spain, Portugal, and France?
Should you possess any photos, kindly forward them accompanied by captions to this address: mypic@telegraph.co.uk
03:08 PM BST
View: Disorder at Lisbon’s Airport
03:06 PM BST
Power was partially reinstated in the northern, southern, and western regions of the Iberian Peninsula.
Spain's grid operator, Red Electrica, stated that power has been reinstated at various substations across the northern, southern, and western regions of the Iberian Peninsula.
Previously, the firm mentioned that it might require between six to ten hours to completely reinstate electricity throughout the area.
03:03 PM BST
Pictured: Police head to the streets of Madrid to maintain order
02:48 PM BST
The EU cybersecurity agency states that a technical issue or cable problem caused the disruptions.
The cybersecurity division of the European Union has indicated that either a technical glitch or a cable issue might be behind the widespread power blackout affecting Spain as well as portions of France and Portugal.
Initial observations from the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) suggest a deviation from a cybersecurity threat.
ENISA mentioned that they are "actively tracking" the situation and continue to stay "communicated with pertinent authorities both nationally and within the European Union."
In an email statement, a spokesperson informed The Telegraph: "At present, the investigation appears to indicate a technical or cable problem."
Previously, hospitals, water providers, and city halls in Spain have been victims of ransomware and other types of malware attacks.
Aigües de Mataró, which provides water services in Mataró—a seaside city in Catalonia home to approximately 130,000 residents—had its website and computer infrastructure severely disrupted due to a recent cyberattack. This incident also led to significant unauthorized access to customers' confidential information.
Last January, cybercriminals tried to extract £8 million from the City Council of Calvía, a municipality located on the island of Mallorca, after carrying out a ransomware assault on their premises.
When computers went offline across its labs, clinics, and emergency departments in March 2023, Barcelona’s biggest hospital had to cancel numerous appointments.
02:42 PM BST
The instant Spain experienced a drastic drop in energy
02:35 PM BST
Web traffic drops sharply in Spain as millions lose internet connectivity
Internet traffic in Spain dropped by over a third today as millions found themselves without electricity.
According to data from tech firm Cloudflare, there was a 30 percent decrease in traffic from Portugal and a 37 percent decline in internet usage in Spain shortly after 11:30 local time as individuals faced difficulties connecting to the web.
02:23 PM BST
The grid operator states that restoring electricity might take between 6 to 10 hours.
Red Electrica, the Spanish power distribution company, stated that it might take between 6 to 10 hours to restore electricity across significant portions of the nation following a huge and unparalleled blackout on Monday that also affected Portugal.
The firm chose not to comment on what might have caused the blackout.
The Portuguese National Cybersecurity Center released a statement indicating that there were no indications the outage resulted from a cyberattack.
Eduardo Prieto, who leads operations at Red Electrica, addressed reporters stating that this incident was unheard of, describing the occurrence as "extraordinary and exceptional."
02:19 PM BST
EU cybersecurity organization 'watching' over blackouts
The EU's cybersecurity agency is closely tracking the unexpected power outages in Spain; however, a spokesperson stated that it's too soon to determine if a cyberattack was responsible.
A representative from ENISA, the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity, informed The Telegraph: "We are closely tracking all aspects of this situation. Currently, the investigation is still underway, and it hasn’t been definitively established whether this incident qualifies as a cyberattack."
Spanish officials have suggested that a potential reason for the abrupt power outage might be a cyberattack. The nation's grid operator, Red Eléctrica, stated that they are currently examining the reasons behind the outages.
Cyber security experts said the blackouts were a stark reminder of the damage and disruption a cyber attack on a country’s grid would cause.
Jake Moore, a worldwide cybersecurity advisor for ESET, stated: "This scenario illustrates the longstanding fear of how an assault on critical national infrastructure systems might unfold."
Attacks by nation-states are extremely challenging to protect against, and focusing on vital infrastructure has consistently posed one of the most significant risks to a country.
02:14 PM BST
Report from Lisbon: The city shrouded in darkness
On Monday afternoon during lunchtime, Lisbon was enveloped in intense darkness as electricity abruptly failed.
The restaurant employees emerged onto the sunlit streets with looks of confusion, as somber stores swiftly reverted to accepting only cash payments.
Within the first two hours of the power outage, local supermarkets in Carcavelos, a district near Lisbon, were overrun with lines stretching all around as individuals rushed to fill their pantries, uncertain about when electricity would be restored.
Worried customers stood in a hot queue, clutching fruits, pastas, and legumes, engaged in chatter about the reason for the blackout and its extent. A flower seller mentioned they heard it reached all the way to Italy and France.
WhatsApp lagged under the pressure, with notifications slowly coming through from up and down the country, with power cuts from Porto to Lagos.
Next, both the messaging service and telephone lines ceased functioning entirely.
The heavens and tracks remained hushed, as motorists proceeded cautiously down streets devoid of traffic signals.
02:07 PM BST
One of the biggest power outages in European history
The extensive power outages hitting Spain today, along with portions of Portugal and France, might turn into the largest electrical disruption Europe has ever experienced.
The largest-scale blackout to date occurred in 2003, affecting up to 56 million individuals across Italy and certain areas of Switzerland who remained without power for as long as 12 hours.
As all of Spain apparently experiences a blackout, along with large parts of southern France and Portugal, today's outages might affect more individuals than the 2003 event did.
In 2012, India experienced the biggest power outage ever recorded, affecting approximately 700 million individuals, which constituted about 10 percent of the global population at that time, leaving them without electrical supply.
02:04 PM BST
Shown: Journalist tries to operate at Madrid Open
02:01 PM BST
The president of Madrid requests military deployment.
The president of Madrid’s regional government has asked the Spanish prime minister to take steps so the army can maintain order, if necessary.
Isabel Díaz Ayuso is urging Pedro Sánchez to implement the Level 3 emergency protocol, which is the most severe, allowing for military deployment.
“We ask the national government to activate Plan 3 so that the Army can maintain order if necessary.”
02:01 PM BST
Reports indicate that Andorra and Belgium were also affected by power outages.
The residents of Andorra mentioned that they have experienced extensive power outages, and similar disruptions have also been reported in places up to Belgium, based on the most recent updates.
01:57 PM BST
View: Travelers compelled to trek to Lisbon Airport
01:53 PM BST
“No traffic signals, no trains, no subways”: Spaniards respond to power outages”
Kathy Diaz Romero, who lives in a small town in Catalonia, mentioned that the inhabitants were not informed about what was occurring.
"There are no traffic signals, no trains, no subways. They haven't mentioned anything yet regarding the reason for this," she stated to The Telegraph from Sant Celonj.
It's gradually returning in my town, but many areas still have no electricity whatsoever.
Trevor Court, residing in Lloret de Mar close to Barcelona, shared with the Telegraph: "My electricity cut out around 12:30 pm. Initially, I suspected an issue with the substation, but then my acquaintances in both Barcelona and Zaragoza sent messages confirming they too were without power."
Many locations are without power. As a result, they can't prepare meals, enjoy a warm beverage, recharge their phones, purchase groceries since some supermarkets and stores have shut down, fuel up because gas stations aren’t operating, or charge electric vehicles.
01:49 PM BST
The EU is in touch with Spain and Portugal to comprehend the reason behind the blackout.
On Monday, the European Commission stated they were "communicating" with officials from Spain and Portugal to "grasp the root cause" of the extensive power outages.
“The commission will keep monitoring the situation and make sure that there is smooth information exchange amongst all relevant parties,” said a spokesman.
01:46 PM BST
In images: Diners enjoy darkness at Madrid Open
01:44 PM BST
Spanish official states cyberattack 'likely' reason for blackouts.
Juanma Moreno, the president of the Andalusian regional government, stated that a cyberattack is the probable reason for the disturbance affecting the peninsular power grid.
Mr. Moreno told journalists that all evidence suggests a cyberattack, based on data supplied by the Andalusian Cybersecurity Center.
The Spanish Ministry of Defence has not stated whether they are considering the incident as a potential cyberattack by a malicious entity.
Mr. Moreno stated that he had come to his decision "based solely on our own information."
He mentioned that hospitals can function as usual due to their power generators. "It remains to be seen how long this will continue since the generators are only capable of providing power for 24 hours."
01:40 PM BST
Shown: Inside Lisbon's subway during electricity outages
01:37 PM BST
Trips to Madrid and Lisbon experiencing disruptions
Disruption at airports is expected for flights heading to the capital cities of both Spain and Portugal due to a power outage.
According to the European Union air traffic control body Eurocontrol, Lisbon Airport will not accept any incoming flights until 3:30 PM GMT.
Likewise, both Barcelona and Madrid are experiencing an inability to manage their usual flight capacities due to the electrical outage today.
The Spanish air traffic control authority stated that their capability to handle flight plans was disrupted due to the power failure. These flight plans are essential for both pilots and controllers to ensure the safe arrival and departure of aircraft at airports.
The Spanish authorities have ceased issuing new Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs), which are informational bulletins for pilots, except when the NOTAMs pertain to urgent and critical matters.
01:35 PM BST
Shown: Individuals in Barcelona tune into the radio for the latest news updates.
01:33 PM BST
British player Jacob Fearnley's match paused at Madrid Open
British player Jacob Fearnley was among several athletes asked to leave the court during the Madrid Open because of a widespread power outage affecting Spain.
When they were competing against Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov, the 23-year-old player had their game paused near noon.
Many supporters found themselves in darkness as the location experienced a power outage.
Organizers mentioned they are striving to "return everything to normal as quickly as possible."
01:27 PM BST
Spain probing potential cyberattack
The Spanish INCIBE cybersecurity agency is looking into whether the power outage may have been caused by a cyberattack.
The nation's authorities further stated they are endeavoring to "determine the source" of the power outages.
01:13 PM BST
Shown: Traffic signals malfunction in Lisbon
01:11 PM BST
Utility providers initiate restoration efforts in Spain
The Spanish power grid operator Red Eléctrica announced that they have started restoring electricity in both the northern and southern regions of the country.
This statement indicated that "it is essential for progressively reinstating the power supply."
"We keep striving to reinstate electricity," the statement read in an update.
01:10 PM BST
Power outages 'resulted from an issue within Spain’s transport system'
Portugal's presidency minister, António Leitão Amaro, stated that the extensive power outages seem to have resulted from "an issue within Spain's transmission grid."
"The specific particulars of which remain unidentified," he stated to the Lusa news agency.
01:05 PM BST
Trains came to a halt throughout Spain.
Spain's railway operator, Renfe, stated that "the entire national power grid went down."
It was reported that all trains had ceased operation with no departures scheduled from the stations.
01:02 PM BST
Shown: Disorder at the Madrid Open
12:56 PM BST
Issue with the 'European electricity system'
The Portuguese distributor E-Redes stated that the outage resulted from "an issue within the European electrical grid."
The firm stated that it had to reduce electricity supply in certain regions to stabilize the grid.
Making calls on mobile networks wasn’t feasible, although certain applications were functioning properly.
12:55 PM BST
'Spanish Official Says Cyber Attack Remains a Possibility'
"A task force has been established to handle the circumstances in Spain. As of now, there is still no information pointing to what caused the extensive power outage," an individual familiar with the developments in Spain informed Politico.
"A cyberattack remains a possibility, and the investigation continues," they noted.
12:54 PM BST
Electricity suddenly shut off at 12:30 PM in Spain.
At 12:30 pm local time (11:30 am BST), airports, train stations, and subway stations in Spain came to a standstill as power supply was suddenly interrupted. Additionally, traffic signals throughout various urban areas ceased functioning.
According to Spanish media reports, millions of people have reportedly been impacted; however, official figures have not yet been made public.
The cause of the widespread outages has not yet been determined.
12:49 PM BST
Greetings and welcome to our live coverage
We're updating you with the most recent developments regarding the extensive power failures throughout Spain and Portugal.
Subscribe to the Front Page newsletter at no cost: Your key resource for today’s schedule from The Telegraph — delivered right to your mailbox every single day of the week.
Post a Comment for "Spain's Power Grid: Over 90% Restored After Widespread Outage"