An electrical and geographic situation different from Spain and Portugal
In the event of a large -scale incident, complete backup plans are provided to prevent an electricity failure and system recovery plans exist to restore the network as quickly as possible. Crisis simulation exercises make it possible to regularly update and practice these plans. “”This is the safety rule N-1. We have defense plans to stabilize the network as automatic but controlled load shedding measures. If there is an imbalance between production and consumption, we will have a collapse of the frequency then we relieve the load “explains Pierre Henneaux, lecturer at the École Polytechnique de l’ULB, member of the energy research unit.
But is it enough to avoid a blackout? There, Elia is cautious as long as the causes of the massive electrical failure that strikes Spain and Portugal are still unknown. “”It depends how touched we are. The situation in Belgium has never been critical, everything is under control. Our country presents a different electrical and geographic situation from Spain and Portugal “loose Jean Fassiaux. “”This does not mean that such situations cannot occur here. “
“Every network remains vulnerable. It is not possible to guarantee 100 %security, there is a risk of blackout in Belgium”adds Pierre Henneaux. “”Belgium is not invulnerable either to a cyber attack on its network. There are a whole series of measures and requirements at European level so that we are as robust as possible against a cyber attack but it is essential to support research to be at the forefront in the field. “
A few hours a day
Although we are protected by a mesh and interconnected network, restoring the situation will take time. “There is a certain complexity to restore the entire network. This can take a few hours for a day depending on the complexity of the situation unless there are significant physical damage. In the event of a classic blackout, little or no equipment are damaged in general. On the other hand, during a cyber attack, if the person manages to destroy the software that controls the lines in the posts, it can take a lot more time. Pierre Henneaux.
In the event of a large breakdown, everything is stopped. “”The whole company is connected to the electrical network “underlines Jean Fassiaux. The impact varies depending on the moment and the duration of the power outage, but this leads to stopping public transport, internet, airports, medical infrastructure and also more telephone or light and heating.
Should we fear a blackout in Belgium? Two hypotheses collide
“This can affect the economy by putting businesses and factories when stopped. Often, critical sites have complementary means such as generators to diesel or petrol to maintain certain important functions such as police, army and hospitals”complete Pierre Henneaux.
Renewable energy could reduce our dependence on the electricity network. “”If we have photovoltaic panels, we could supply part of the needs with local production. But it is not yet authorized or even technically possible for reasons of network security. Ensure stability still raises questions “specifies the energy expert.
In the event of a breakdown of several hours, the citizen can only be patient as long as the problem is repaired. “When electricity returns, you should not engage all devices at the same time in order to reconnect everyone as quickly as possible. There is always a rebound effect after a reconnection, consumption is higher than before the breakdown”recommends Pierre Henneaux.
