Spanish Grid Operator Issues Reassurance
Red Eléctrica, the operator of Spain's electrical system, has issued a message of tranquility, denying any risk of a blackout. This comes after the company previously reported sudden voltage variations over the past two weeks and called for measures to enhance supply security.
In a statement on social media platform X, the company clarified, "We never spoke of a risk of blackout, whether imminent or widespread." They emphasized that their actions were routine, proposing necessary measures to strengthen the electrical system's robustness.
Background on Voltage Fluctuations
On Wednesday afternoon, Red Eléctrica informed Spain's National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC) about detecting sudden voltage variations in recent weeks. The company urged the regulator to approve measures aimed at reinforcing supply security.
In a document sent to the CNMC, Red Eléctrica warned that these variations could lead to disconnections of consumption and production, potentially destabilizing the electrical system. Following the blackout in Portugal and Spain on April 28, the operator noted that the recent voltage issues occurred within established limits.
Causes and Proposed Measures
The company linked these fluctuations to sudden changes in production programs, particularly in renewable energy generation, and the response times of plants responsible for dynamic voltage control. Although within parameters, these fluctuations could impact supply security if the proposed changes are not implemented.
Red Eléctrica has requested urgent, temporary, and exceptional approval of several system operation procedures. The proposal includes implications for scheduling processes, technical constraints, secondary regulation, and voltage control.
Key measures involve modifying technical constraints to reduce real-time energy imbalances and requiring scheduled production groups to reserve all their capacity for balancing markets, preventing installations from reducing reserved power in intraday markets.
Public Consultation and Timeline
The proposed changes will undergo public consultation until October 15 and are set to be in effect for 30 consecutive days, extendable upon request by the operator for additional periods of up to 15 days.
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