Source: European Parliament
The Commission has closely followed the incident and is continuously in touch with national authorities to support where needed. According to EU law[1], an investigation by an independent panel composed of Transmission System Operators, the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators ( ACER) and national regulatory authorities has started.
Moreover, the Risk Preparedness Regulation[2] requires Spain and Portugal to submit a report within three months describing the event, its economic impact and possible lessons, among others. The Commission will analyse and take into considerations the findings of the investigation.
The Commission will put forward a Grids Package by end 2025 with measures to, among others, achieve a more efficient use of existing infrastructure, ensure cross-border integrated planning and delivery of projects, and better protection of critical energy infrastructure.
Furthermore, to ensure energy security, the EU needs a well-integrated, interconnected energy network that provides stability. By supporting the construction of the necessary infrastructure, the EU is helping to better integrate Iberian peninsula to the EU power system as stated in the Affordable Energy Action Plan.
The Commission is working[3] with Member States, Transmission System Operators and National Regulatory Authorities to accelerate the implementation of interconnection priority projects in the region[4].
The Commission has not received information on structural damages resulting from the incident.
- [1] Guideline on electricity transmission system operation, Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1485, OJ L 220, 25.8.2017, p. 1-120.
- [2] Regulation (EU) 2019/941 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on risk-preparedness in the electricity sector, OJ L 158, 14.6.2019, p. 1-21.
- [3] In the framework of the High-Level Group on Interconnections for South-West Europe.
- [4] As an example, interconnectivity between France and Spain will double with the commissioning in 2028 of the Biscay Bay project, which is under construction and progressing well in both countries.