Following one of Europe’s most severe blackouts on Monday across Spain and Portugal, officials from both nations have confirmed that power is almost fully recovered. However, some metro systems are still not completely restored.
On April 29 this morning local time, Spain’s electricity operator Red Eléctrica confirmed that the electricity has returned to Spain by about 99%. Meanwhile, Portuguese grid operator REN stated that all of its 89 power substations are operating again.
This blackout has disrupted several communication systems and ground many transportation. About 35,000 train and metro passengers in Spain were stranded on railways and underground. Some passengers chose to stay at the station until dawn, when power returned.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the country has lost power of 15 gigawatts, or about 60% of Spain’s demand. However, no agencies have managed to uncover its cause yet. There is no sign of strange weather, cyber attack, or sabotage.
Although the power is almost restored, the effect of the blackout still remains. The electrical instability is causing the commuter trains in Barcelona to remain suspended. Other trains in different parts of Spain also either remain suspended or reduce their capacity.
