Spain and Portugal have formally requested the European Union to facilitate the development of additional power interconnectors with France.
Their appeal follows a significant power outage that affected the Iberian Peninsula in April 2025, and is detailed in a letter obtained by Reuters.
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Limited power linkages between Spain, Portugal and the rest of Europe have raised concerns, particularly regarding France’s delays in advancing new interconnection projects that could mitigate disruptions.
Ongoing works to enhance an existing interconnector between France and Spain are anticipated to conclude in 2025.
A new underwater power line traversing the Bay of Biscay is also projected for completion by 2028.
In a letter addressed to EU energy commissioner Dan Jorgensen, sent on 21 May 2025, the governments of Spain and Portugal urged Brussels to take action to ensure the progress of these vital interconnection projects.
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By GlobalData“A firm political and financial commitment is needed, at all levels, to ensure the swift and effective integration of the Iberian Peninsula into the EU energy system,” stated the letter, signed by Spanish energy minister Sara Aagesen and Portuguese energy minister Maria da Graca Carvalho.
The letter further proposed a ministerial meeting before the end of 2025 involving France and the Commission to establish a roadmap with specific milestones and actionable steps.
A spokesperson for the European Commission confirmed receipt of the letter and indicated ongoing communication with governments. A spokesperson for France’s energy minister did not provide an immediate response regarding the letter.
French grid operator RTE has conducted a feasibility study on constructing two additional interconnections with Spain across the Pyrenees, as outlined in its multi-annual planning document released in early 2025. RTE’s report suggested that EU financing would be necessary for these upgrades, as the objective is to enhance interconnection with Spain, “with the beneficiaries being located outside France.”
France predominantly generates its electricity from nuclear plants, whereas the Iberian Peninsula relies more on renewable sources. This reliance on fluctuating generation sources increases the demand for flexibility within the power grid.
Iberia currently falls short of the EU’s target for countries to connect 15% of their electricity capacity to neighbouring countries by 2030, with its interconnection share at only 3%.
Spain and Portugal contend that this lack of interconnectivity is inflating energy prices and hindering their power grids’ responsiveness to disruptions. Interconnectors play a crucial role in stabilising energy grids by enabling power flow between countries, allowing for rapid adjustments to supply and demand fluctuations.
“Accelerating the completion of electricity interconnections with the Iberian Peninsula must be placed among the highest priorities,” the letter emphasised.
Power outages on the scale experienced in Spain and Portugal in April 2025 are uncommon in Europe. The blackout resulted in significant disruptions, including grounded planes and the suspension of routine operations in hospitals.
The EU is currently investigating the cause of the incident. Both Spain’s and Portugal’s energy ministries confirmed that their respective ministers signed the letter.
