Massive Power Outage in the Iberian Peninsula Amid Energy Crisis

Spain experienced a massive power outage at midday with varying duration and an unknown origin for the moment. The power grid failure affected other southern European countries like Portugal and France. The incident occurs amid the European energy crisis, and the possibility of a cyberattack is being considered.

The blackout caused a situation of widespread chaos affecting the country's main infrastructures. Communications, trains, and airports have been paralyzed, and businesses and buildings are affected. People are trapped in elevators, and in Catalonia, the special emergency plan has been activated.

Red Eléctrica, the public company responsible for the connections, has activated the energy supply restoration plan. "The causes are being analyzed, and all resources are being dedicated to solving it," the organization communicated.

For now, voltage has begun to be restored in the northern and southern peninsular, key to progressively addressing the electricity supply. Interior is working to clarify the causes, but they have said it's still too early to know anything.

In Catalonia, all public order units of Mossos have gone to evacuate the Barcelona metro, and eight Renfe trains are affected. Traffic lights are also being affected, and the General Directorate of Traffic has lost control of the main roads. In the capital, businesses have closed for fear of possible thefts.

Energy Crisis and Global Conflict

The blackout occurs amid the energy crisis in Europe, with a very turbulent international scenario. For now, nothing can be ruled out, but the shadow of a cyberattack currently looms over what happened. If confirmed, it would be the most severe cyberattack suffered in Europe so far.

The severity of the situation has led the Government to contact the cybersecurity office and other affected countries. It is a first-order national security problem. The priority now is to restore the supply and address emergencies.

No possibility should be ruled out, but it is particularly concerning at a time of high global tension. Also due to the energy crisis stemming from the war in Ukraine and the Middle East. The Government hopes to restore normalcy in the coming hours and provide an explanation for the chaos being experienced in many Spanish cities.