On April 28, 2025, a massive power outage struck Spain and Portugal, causing a ripple effect that briefly affected a small part of France. The outage, which began around midday, saw electricity consumption in Spain plummet by half at 12:35 PM, according to the Spanish network manager, REE. This unprecedented event raised questions about France's preparedness for such emergencies, especially given its interconnected electrical network with its Iberian neighbors.
The outage originated in Spain, where the sudden drop in electricity demand prompted immediate concern. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that he did not have "conclusive information" regarding the causes of the blackout. Meanwhile, Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, reassured the public that there were no indications of a cyberattack being responsible for the incident.
As the situation unfolded, France's electricity network manager, RTE, acted quickly to protect its infrastructure. At 12:38 PM, France automatically disconnected from the Spanish and Portuguese networks for one hour to prevent any potential overflow of the power crisis. This precautionary measure ensured that while some homes in the South-West of France, particularly in the Basque Country, experienced brief outages lasting only a few minutes, the majority of the French grid remained stable.
In response to the crisis, RTE reported that France was able to increase its electricity assistance to Spain, supplying up to 2000 MW through interconnections that feed into Catalonia and the Spanish Basque Country. Laurent Rosseel, director of the operations department at RTE, stated, "We are currently helping with two-thirds of the current consumption of Spain and Portugal. We will provide this assistance for as long as necessary." This proactive approach highlights France's role as a crucial player in the European energy landscape.
Historically, France has been relatively insulated from widespread power outages. The last significant blackout occurred in 1978, when a failure in a very high voltage line in Meurthe-et-Moselle plunged the country into darkness for four hours. Since then, France has faced six major outages, primarily following severe weather events, such as the storm in 1999.
In light of these historical events, one might wonder how prepared France is for a more generalized power outage. Strategic sites, particularly those of vital importance, are equipped with backup generators to ensure critical services can continue during outages. For instance, the Foch Hospital in Suresnes has robust systems in place to maintain patient care during electrical failures. These generators are essential for hospitals and other critical infrastructure, ensuring that patient care is not compromised.
Experts like Alicia Bassiere, a researcher at CentraleSupélec, emphasize the importance of the security systems in place. She explained that if there is a frequency drop on the line between Spain and France, the line will automatically disconnect to prevent further issues. This automatic response is a testament to the advanced infrastructure and protocols that France has developed over the years.
Despite the recent outage, the French government and energy managers remain optimistic about their preparedness. RTE reassured citizens that they have multiple levers to pull in case of alerts, allowing for quick responses to any potential threats to the electrical grid.
As the dust settles on this latest power crisis, it serves as a reminder of the interconnected nature of European energy systems and the importance of robust infrastructure. While the immediate threat of a widespread blackout in France was averted, the incident underscores the need for ongoing vigilance and investment in energy security.
In summary, the power outage affecting Spain and Portugal on April 28, 2025, tested the resilience of France's electrical grid. With strategic measures in place and a commitment to supporting neighboring countries, France has demonstrated its capability to manage crises effectively. As Europe continues to grapple with energy challenges, the lessons learned from this incident will undoubtedly shape future policies and preparations.
