Advocating Energy Independence for Managers of Essential Infrastructure: Proposal by IMT
Revised Article:
The Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT), after consulting 31 entities, declared that despite the disruptions, particularly in the railway sector and the three metro systems, the integrity of terrestrial and fluvial transport infrastructure remained intact during the April 28 blackout. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing, in a statement today, attributed the minimal impact on the railway sector to a CP strike, causing their entire train fleet to be idled.
Consequently, a total of 93 compositions, including 80 in the metros and 13 on the railway (of which seven were passenger and six were freight), were immobilized across the Lisbon, Porto, South Tejo metro infrastructures and the national railway network due to the failure of electric traction during the blackout.
In their report to the Government, the IMT emphasizes the importance of ensuring a minimum level of energy autonomy for entities operating critical infrastructures and essential services, spotlighting the need for similar measures in the field of transport infrastructure. Additionally, the IMT advocates for plans and protocols for the rescheduling and prioritization of fuel replenishment when the minimum autonomy time is surpassed.
Moreover, the IMT considers it essential to bolster the electrical network's resilience in terms of service recovery time and enhance GSM communications' ability to operate autonomously with backup energy, given the critical dependence on electricity and mobile communications. The IMT also recommends a review of the perimeter of focal points for managers of road, railway, and fluvial transport infrastructures at the National Operational Coordination Center (CCON) of the National Authority for Civil Protection (ANEPC) for improved operational communications with authorities and to make a situation report.
The Minister of Infrastructure and Housing also revealed the conclusions and recommendations presented by the National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) and National Communications Authority (Anacom) in their respective reports on the impact of the electrical blackout that struck Portugal and Spain on April 28.
This blackout led to the cancellation of 437 flights, affecting approximately 78,000 passengers[4]. The blackout was mainly caused by fluctuations in the electrical grid, resulting in the disconnection of the Iberian Peninsula from the European power grid[3][5].
[4] Reference: Blackout forced cancellation of 437 flights. 78,000 passengers affected[3] Reference: Fluctuations in the electrical grid caused the blackout[5] Reference: The Iberian Peninsula was disconnected from the European power grid due to the blackout.
What about the role of technology and finance in preventing such disruptions in our critical industries like energy, transportation, and communication? It's crucial for the industry to invest in advanced technology solutions and financial planning to ensure energy autonomy, network resilience, improved communications, and fuel supply management.
