Spain's grid operator dismisses cyberattack as blackout cause

Tuesday 29 April 2025 - 16:15

By: Dakir Madiha

Spain's grid operator dismisses cyberattack as blackout cause

Spain's grid operator has definitively ruled out a cyberattack as the source of a widespread blackout that left millions in chaos across the Iberian Peninsula. The incident, which unfolded the previous day, prompted urgent inquiries from authorities seeking to establish the cause of the disruption.

In a press conference, Eduardo Prieto, the director of operations for national grid operator Red Eléctrica, stated, "With the analysis that we have been able to carry out up to now, we can rule out a cybersecurity incident in the facilities." He emphasized that there had been no intrusion into Red Eléctrica's control systems that could have triggered the incident.

As efforts to restore power continued throughout the night, Prieto assured the public that the electric system had been "normalized" and was functioning in a stable manner. This declaration came as Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez urged citizens to refrain from speculation and to avoid spreading misinformation.

Compounding the confusion, Portuguese grid operator REN denied responsibility for a message circulating on social media that attributed the blackout to an unusual atmospheric phenomenon. This message claimed that "abnormal oscillations were recorded in the very high-voltage lines (400 kV), a phenomenon known as 'induced atmospheric vibration.'" REN spokesman Bruno Silva clarified, "REN confirms we did not put out this statement," without providing additional details.

As the investigation continues, authorities remain focused on uncovering the true cause of the blackout while ensuring the public receives accurate information.