A significant power outage disrupted daily life in Spain and Portugal for most of Monday, leaving millions without access to public transport, card payment systems, or the ability to commute to work. Although the cause of the blackout remains unclear, reports indicate that 99% of the power grid has now been restored.
Such extensive outages, which can halt critical infrastructure and telecommunications, are relatively rare. The last notable incident occurred in several Balkan countries during a heatwave last summer. This raises the question of how equipped Germany is to deal with a similar emergency.
Germany’s power grid stability
According to a risk analysis released by the German government in January 2025, “Germany’s power grid is one of the safest and most stable in the world.” The analysis noted that large-scale, protracted blackouts have been infrequent in the country, with an average power interruption of less than 13 minutes annually since 2014, as reported by the Federal Statistical Office for Germany. However, civil protection expert Andreas Kling, author of “Safe Despite Disaster”, cautions that the probability of such outages has increased in recent years.
This rise is attributed to the shift from a centralized energy supply dominated by large power plants to a more diversified system reliant on photovoltaic and wind installations, as well as biomass.
Geopolitical influences on energy security
Kling emphasizes that geopolitical tensions, particularly influenced by the ongoing war in Ukraine and Russia’s strategic maneuvers in Central Europe, heighten the risk of large-scale, enduring power outages. “Germany in particular could be a target for a Russian destabilisation campaign,” he stated, noting Germany’s historical context of division during the Cold War and its significant role in European politics.
Despite these concerns, there were no indications of a cyber attack during the recent power outage in the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal’s Prime Minister Luís Montenegro remarked, “Nothing can be ruled out, but there is no indication that it was a cyber attack.”
“Resilience, the ability for a system or even a community to reorganise itself after such an event and ideally even be better than before, must be planned for at an early stage.”
In response to these threats, Germany has taken measures to enhance its infrastructure. The Federal Cabinet approved the KRITIS Umbrella Act last November, focusing on the protection of critical infrastructure. Although it awaits implementation, a European directive aimed at establishing heightened cybersecurity measures promises to bolster national security.
Kling calls for increased public awareness regarding crisis preparedness. He believes that many individuals have not adequately considered their responses to potential emergencies, stating, “You simply have to deal with the situation and think about what I do, for example, if I have to leave the house.”
The European Union has recently urged member states to develop guidelines for a 72-hour emergency kit to assist citizens during crises. Kling asserts that these recommendations represent merely the baseline for preparedness.
He stresses the importance of basic supplies, asking, “Do I have any cash with me? Cash is important, it gives you the opportunity to buy something.” Furthermore, he highlights the necessity of having essential documents and considering the needs of loved ones, including children and neighbors.
Even for those able to remain at home during a crisis, maintaining a basic food supply is crucial. The Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance recommends having at least two liters of drinking water on hand. However, Kling believes this amount to be insufficient, stating, “Water is much more vital than food.” He underlines the many uses of water beyond drinking, such as cooking and sanitation needs.
A survey conducted by Forsa in 2022 revealed that about 38% of Germans have an emergency kit prepared at home, indicating a significant opportunity for improving public readiness for potential crises.