Corredor defends REE role in blackout, blasts French interconnection block

Beatriz Corredor, chair of Redeia, insisted that Red Eléctrica (REE) was 'the solution' to the April 28, 2025 blackout, not the cause, while also accusing France of blocking interconnections to protect its nuclear industry. Speaking at a New Economy Forum event, she argued that Spain and Portugal remain an 'energy island' with less than 3% interconnection capacity, far below the EU's 10% target for 2020 and 15% for 2030. Source: lavanguardia

The Blackout

Corredor reiterated that independent reports confirmed REE complied with all regulations and that the blackout was caused by generators failing to control voltage. She highlighted that REE restored power in under 24 hours, a global record. Source: elconfidencial "If everyone had met their obligations, the blackout would not have happened," she said, pointing to improved regulations since then. Source: elpaises

French Interconnection Block

Corredor linked French reluctance to Spain's competitive renewables, which lower prices. She stated that France aims to shield its nuclear industry. Source: infobae She revealed a meeting with EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen to push for two new interconnections via the Bay of Biscay, but noted that even if built, capacity would only reach 8%. Source: infobae

Investment Needs

Corredor called for better remuneration for grid investments, noting REE increased spending from €400 million in 2019 to €1.5 billion in 2025, with €13 billion planned through 2030 to meet industrial demand. Source: elpaises