Austria's Economy Minister Vows Grid Stability Review After Spain's Massive Blackout
Austria's Minister of Economy, Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, is prioritising renewable energy expansion and green hydrogen initiatives. His focus is on enhancing energy security and increasing production. Meanwhile, a significant blackout in Spain and Portugal on April 28, 2025, has raised concerns about grid stability.
The blackout, lasting 18 hours, was caused by an 'overvoltage collapse', according to an international expert group led by Austria's APG. High solar power input, delayed response by network operators, and power plants disconnecting for self-protection as voltage increased were key factors. Spain's early push for renewable energy, particularly solar and wind power plants, contributed to the issue. Gerhard Christiner, APG's technical director, stated there was no single culprit.
In response, Minister Hattmannsdorfer plans to review the Electricity Economics Act. He aims to ensure stable grid reserves and mandatory controllability of wind and solar plants. He also intends to cap feed-in during excess production and strengthen the role of the transmission network operator APG.
The blackout in Spain and Portugal has highlighted the need for robust grid management in renewable energy systems. Austria's Minister of Economy, Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, is taking steps to ensure grid stability and enhance energy security through strategic reviews and network operator strengthening.
