Is the Czech grid protected from blackouts like in Spain and Portugal?

On Monday, a massive power outage paralyzed Spain and Portugal, halting trains and pushing hospitals to backup generators.

The blackout has been described as the "worse in living memory in Europe," lasting more than half a day and leaving millions without phone, internet coverage, or access to online banking. Thousands of travelers were stranded.

As experts continue to determine what happened, Czech national grid operator ČEPS says a large-scale power outage like the one that swept across the Iberian Peninsula is unlikely to occur in Czechia.

Officials say the domestic electricity transmission system is robust, extensively monitored, and supported by well-defined emergency protocols.

"Our system is prepared for potential problems. One outage should not cause us major issues," said Miroslav Šula, director of the Dispatching Management section at ČEPS said, speaking to ČT24.

“We cannot specify whether it is enough for two lines, three lines, or two substations to go out, it always depends on the specific situation,” he said. “But the grid is designed to withstand such scenarios.”

The country’s transmission system includes approximately 6,000 kilometers of high and very high-voltage lines, managed through 45 substations and 82 transformer stations. Grid dispatchers monitor the system 24/7, relying on automated alarms and signal systems to detect disruptions.

A critical role in maintaining grid stability is played by nuclear power plants, which provide a steady, uninterrupted source of electricity throughout the day. In the event of sudden fluctuations or failures, hydroelectric plants—especially pumped storage facilities—can respond within seconds.

“These sources, in particular the pumped storage power plants at Dlouhé stráně and Dalešice, or parts of the Vltava Cascade, are available to the ČEPS dispatch center, which controls their operation,” said ČEZ spokesman Martin Schreier.

Czechia also benefits from its central European location, allowing it to import electricity in emergencies. Šula recalled a 2006 incident when several lines failed, splitting the system into so-called "islands." Even then, the grid avoided a total blackout. “We activated cross-border support and kept the system stable,” he said.

Hydropower units are expected to be the first to restart in the rare event of a full blackout, restoring power to other sources in a controlled sequence.

The recent outage in Spain and Portugal has prompted renewed scrutiny of energy resilience across Europe. While experts have ruled out a cyber attack, questions remain. Czech officials, however, remain confident in their system’s ability to manage emergencies without widespread disruption.