France Weighs Large-Scale Power Outage Simulation

France is contemplating a theoretical simulation of a sudden, large-scale power outage, potentially occurring in the latter half of 2027. This unpublicized plan aims to rigorously test the nation's preparedness for such a crisis.

The simulation would involve key entities like the French electricity network operators Enedis and RTE, alongside various government departments, ministries, and the French army's general staff. The core objective is to evaluate how the country would react and manage a widespread blackout, assessing the time required to restore power and ensure the continued operation of critical services.

This consideration follows recent incidents impacting neighboring countries. Portugal and Spain experienced a similar power outage in April 2025, while Poland suffered a major cyberattack on its energy infrastructure last year, which Brussels has linked to Russian intelligence services. These events underscore the growing concerns about energy grid vulnerabilities in Europe.