The Spanish government is in the process of reviewing and updating its Energy Security Strategy, previously established in 2015, due to its obsolescence. This review intensified after the severe blackout of April 28 that left Spain and Portugal without electricity, considered the worst in Europe in two decades. The update seeks to address infrastructure and security failures, involving experts and autonomous communities in drafting a new draft. This process also focuses on integrating climate security and current geopolitical challenges more forcefully, factors highlighted in the 2021 National Security Strategy.
Simultaneously, Red Eléctrica has implemented a reinforced operating mode to prevent future blackouts, although this entails higher costs for consumers. However, the fear of a new incident has led the National Commission of Markets and Competition to approve changes in procedures, although certain requests for voltage control were not accepted by electric utilities due to potential damage to their equipment. The responsibility for the blackout is still being debated, with Red Eléctrica and the electric utilities exchanging accusations, while the government remains on the sidelines of direct criticism, claiming to have no knowledge of risks prior to the event.
Read the full news article on The Country.
