Europe's Rare 'Voltage Surge Blackout' Investigated in ENTSO-E Report
On April 28, 2025, a significant power outage struck Europe, starting at 12:33. The incident, classified as a 'level 3 disturbance', was preceded by network oscillations and triggered by a transformer in Granada. The ENTSO-E expert group's 264-page report provides insights into this rare 'voltage surge blackout'.
The outage began with two network oscillations, followed by a transformer in Granada activating its overvoltage protection at 417.9 kilovolts. This triggered a cascade of shutdowns, leading to a 'level 3 disturbance', the highest category. Between 12:32:00 and 12:32:57, several important generation units were shut down, causing a load increase in the distribution network.
The ENTSO-E report, largely aligning with the Spanish government's official report, focuses on the events, system conditions, and restoration process. It delves into the root causes, voltage control, the role of actors, and compliance with European standards. The working group, consisting of 45 experts from European transmission system operators and regulatory authorities, is expected to publish a final report by early 2026, detailing prevention recommendations.
The rights to the SolarWorld brand were repurchased in 2025 by Frank Asbeck, the original founder, from the Swiss company Meyer Burger. However, the report does not suggest any direct link between this transaction and the power outage.
The April 28, 2025 power outage, a novel scenario of a 'voltage surge blackout', was thoroughly investigated by the ENTSO-E expert group. Their interim report provides valuable insights, with a final report expected in early 2026. This incident serves as a reminder of the complex nature of power grid management and the importance of continuous improvement in ensuring grid stability and reliability.
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