Europe's Energy Blackout: Investigating the Biggest Power Collapse

Spain, Portugal, and parts of France faced a massive power outage disrupting essential services. Initial investigations ruled out a cyber attack. The collapse highlights vulnerabilities in Spain's renewable-heavy energy mix and prompts an EU investigation. Experts point to solar generation's volatility and grid inertia issues as potential causes.

A large-scale blackout swept across Spain, Portugal, and parts of France, halting trains, bank machines, and traffic lights in Europe's largest power system failure to date.

While Spanish grid operator Red Electrica dismissed the possibility of a cyber attack, the Spanish High Court plans to launch an investigation, echoing Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's concerns.

Preliminary reports from Red Electrica cite power generation losses, possibly from solar plants, leading to instability. The EU has committed to a detailed investigation into the cause of the blackout.

(With inputs from agencies.)