Six-month timeline for blackout final report revealed by minister
The European network overseeing electricity transmission is accelerating efforts to finalize the ongoing investigation into the 2025 Iberian Peninsula blackout, which affected both Portugal and Spain. Maria da Graça Carvalho, a senior official, revealed this commitment during the II Energy Conference of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP).
Although the regulatory deadline for the final report is summer 2026, Carvalha stated that the governments of Portugal and Spain have urged the network, ENTSO-E, to expedite the investigation process. She expressed that ENTSO-E has shown openness and goodwill towards accelerating the investigation, citing not just pressure from Portugal and Spain, but also from Europe as a whole.
As of now, no exact date has been set, but ENTSO-E has agreed to make "the greatest effort" to complete the final report within six months. The investigation, led by a panel of experts, is currently in the process of analyzing a convoluted sequence of events leading to the blackout. The panel, established specifically to scrutinize the incident, includes recognized experts from transmission system operators not directly involved in the blackout, as well as representatives from affected parties such as Red Eléctrica from Spain and REN from Portugal.
The blackout lasted more than 10 hours, raising concerns about the security and resilience of the European electricity system. As the investigation proceeds, specific details regarding attempts to expedite the final report are currently not disclosed. The report's publication is expected once the investigation concludes, with an emphasis on thoroughness and accuracy.
Previously, the rapid recovery of the electricity systems in Portugal and Spain was noted, with both Red Eléctrica and REN commended for their swift efforts in restoring power supply. The seamless collaboration and joint work among transmission system operators, backed by platforms like the European Awareness System, have proven crucial in managing the crisis. However, the root causes of the blackout remain under investigation, with no specific timeline provided for the completion of the final report.
What is the proposed timeline for the accelerated investigation by ENTSO-E regarding the final report on the 2025 Iberian Peninsula blackout in the industry of energy and finance? Considering the pressure from both governments, Europe as a whole, and the urgency for the stability of the electricity system, ENTSO-E has agreed to make a significant effort to complete the report within six months.
