Institute for Energy Research of Catalonia (IREC)

The French authorities have announced the first recorded case of human infection with the Shamonda virus. The patient was receiving treatment for a serious illness and died in early October. This virus was first identified in farm animals in Europe this past summer, but had previously been detected in animals outside the continent. It is usually transmitted between animals via the bites of infected midges (Culicoides). It is still unknown how the patient contracted the viral infection and whether this was the direct cause of death. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) in a press release has stated that it is monitoring the situation closely.

The European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) has published its final report on the blackout of 28 April 2025 that left mainland Spain and Portugal without power. The document, drawn up by a panel of 49 members, concludes that the blackout was caused by a combination of many interacting factors, including oscillations, deficiencies in voltage control, rapid power reductions and generator disconnections in Spain. These factors caused rapid voltage rises and cascading generation disconnections, leading to the blackout. At a press briefing, Damián Cortinas, Chair of the ENTSO-E Board of Directors, clarified: “The problem is not renewable energy, but voltage control, regardless of the type of generation”. He added: “This isn’t about high technology; it’s something we’ve been able to do for decades.” Experts have made recommendations to prevent similar situations in Europe, such as strengthening operational practices, improving monitoring of system behaviour, closer coordination and data sharing among electricity system operators. Furthermore, they have highlighted the need to adapt regulatory frameworks to implement these recommendations in line with the changing nature of the electricity system.

Avian influenza has returned to Spain this summer. In addition to a few cases in wild birds, since 18 July there have been several outbreaks in poultry in different autonomous communities, causing the country to lose its disease-free status. To answer questions about the situation, its possible causes, evolution and consequences, SMC Spain organised an information session with researchers Inmaculada Casas, Ursula Höfle and Elisa Pérez Ramírez.

At this time, it is unknown what caused the massive power outage that left millions of people without electricity on the Iberian Peninsula on Monday. The influence of renewable energy sources is also unknown.