Energy – The Watchers

Major power outage hits Spain, Portugal and southern France after ‘rare atmospheric phenomenon’

Teo Blašković — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 12:52:45 +0000

A major power outage affected Spain, Portugal, and parts of southern France on April 28, 2025, causing widespread disruptions in transport, communication, and public services.

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Ecuador’s energy crisis deepens amid historic drought and extended blackouts

Harsha Borah — Sat, 26 Oct 2024 12:15:00 +0000

Ecuador is facing a severe energy crisis caused by the worst drought in six decades drastically reducing water levels in reservoirs powering hydroelectric plants that supply over 70% of the nation's electricity. Since October 23, 2024, power cuts have expanded from 8 to 14 hours per day, impacting cities like Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca, and causing economic losses of about $12 million per hour.

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Cuba enacts emergency measures after largest power plant goes offline, leaving 10 million in the dark

Harsha Borah — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 21:35:09 +0000

On October 17, 2024, Cuba's government announced emergency measures, including the closure of non-essential workplaces in response to catastrophic blackouts lasting more than 12 hours per day for millions. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz stressed fuel shortages, poor infrastructure, and increased demand, all exacerbated by Hurricane Milton's aftermath.

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Widespread power cuts hit Ecuador as country battles severe energy crisis and worst drought in 61 years

TW — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 20:26:51 +0000

Ecuador is experiencing a significant energy crisis, leading to widespread power outages and economic challenges. The crisis is primarily due to reduced water levels affecting hydroelectric power generation, which supplies a substantial portion of the country's electricity.

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Power grids fail across Balkan as temperatures hit 40 °C (104 °F)

Rishav Kothari — Sat, 22 Jun 2024 22:15:51 +0000

A massive power outage struck parts of the Balkan Peninsula on June 21, 2024, as temperatures soared to 40 °C (104°F). The blackout caused widespread disruption across Montenegro, Bosnia, Croatia, and Albania. Officials and media blame increased power consumption due to the sweltering heat for power grid failures.

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Eurozone inflation hits record high of 10.7% – recession risks spreading

Teo Blašković — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 12:56:21 +0000

Euro area annual inflation is expected to be 10.7% in October 2022, up from 9.9% in September, according to a flash estimate from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union.

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Underwater images show damage to over 50 m (165 feet) of Nord Stream 1 pipeline

Teo Blašković — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 11:38:24 +0000

Underwater images show an explosion registered as an M2.3 earthquake on the Richter scale on September 26, 2022, damaged over 50 m (165 feet) of one Nord Stream 1 pipe.

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Mobile network outages expected in Europe this winter

Teo Blašković — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 14:37:38 +0000

Four telecoms executives said on September 29, 2022, there are currently not enough backup systems in many European countries to handle widespread power cuts, raising the prospect of mobile phone outages.

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Fourth leak found in Nord Stream pipelines

Teo Blašković — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 10:55:38 +0000

The Swedish Coast Guard (SCG) said they found a fourth leak in Nord Stream pipelines on September 29, 2022, just 3 days after underwater explosions severely damaged two Nord Stream 1 pipes and one Nord Stream 2.

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Unprecedented, simultaneous damage to both Nord Stream pipelines; Norway warns of threats from unidentified drones flying over gas and oil platforms

Teo Blašković — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 13:01:13 +0000

A sharp drop in pressure has been detected on Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines on September 26, 2022. The investigation into the cause is in progress. On the same day, Norway's oil safety regulator warned of threats from unidentified drones seen flying near their offshore oil and gas platforms.

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