Power failure in Spain and Portugal: Almost everything on the net again!

Power failure in Spain and Portugal: Almost everything on the net again!

Madrid, Spanien - Almost all people in Spain and Portugal have electricity from Monday again after the massive blackout from Monday. The Spanish energy supplier Red Eléctrica reported that over 99 percent of the energy supply on the affected mainland is restored. In Portugal, more than 6.2 out of 6.5 million households have access to electricity again. The power failure occurred on Monday around 12:30 p.m. CEST and was described as "historical" by the government in Madrid.

The incident that millions of people left for hours without electricity, internet and telephone connections led to the subway and train traffic to be resumed in both countries on Tuesday. Many travelers were stuck in trains, subways and elevators, and holidaymakers were stranded at airports. Traffic lights failed, hospitals had to switch to emergency operation with electricity generators. The International Masters 1000 tennis tournament was interrupted in Madrid, whereby the game is to be resumed on Tuesday.

causes of blackout

Eduardo Prieto, director of network business services at Red Eléctrica, said that the separation of the European power connection in France was responsible for collapse; However, the exact cause remains unclear. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez pointed out a "strong oscillation" in the European power grid. Experts of the Portuguese National Cybersecurity Central excluded a cyber attack on the infrastructure.

Both governments have called crisis meetings to evaluate the situation. The areas initially affected ranged from Madrid to other cities, while the Canary Islands, Balearic Islands as well as Ceuta and Melilla were not affected. The incident also fuels fears before a possible European Blackout , since according to experts, such events are rare but are rare Can have effects.

reaction of the authorities and follow

The reactions to the blackout were quick. Traffic authorities in Spain advised the citizens to reduce car traffic, while numerous police forces were mobilized in Portugal to regulate traffic. In Madrid, almost 300 rescue campaigns had to be carried out to free people from elevations. The power supply was restored, among other things, by importing electricity from Morocco and France as well as an increase in production from hydroelectric and thermal systems.

The effects of the blackout led to the fact that offices closed in Madrid on Monday and traffic jam due to unusual traffic lights. Many people spent the night in complete darkness, especially in the capital. The incident not only attracted national, but also international attention because it showed the fragility of the modern energy infrastructure.

The fight against the causes and the preparation for future disorders will now become a focus of the political agenda. The blackout is the second major power failure in Europe within a few weeks, which directs the attention of the authorities and experts to the safety and stability of the power grids.