The passage of depression Kristin in the early hours of the 27th left 774 kilometres (7%) of extra-high-voltage lines inoperable and toppled 61 pylons, the National Electricity Transmission Network (REN) reported today.
Storm Kristin knocked down 61 extra-high-voltage pylons
Thursday, 29 January 2026RSS
Context & Explainers
The National Electric System (Sistema Elétrico Nacional) is Portugal's electricity network and market covering power generation, high-voltage transmission and distribution to consumers; the transmission grid is operated by REN. The government has launched a technical, economic and regulatory study to adapt the system to climate change, including assessing burying power lines in critical areas.
REN (Rede Eléctrica Nacional) is Portugal's operator for high-voltage electricity transmission and for gas transport infrastructure, responsible for running the transmission grid and keeping the system stable. It also publishes national electricity consumption data and is the main contact in cases of large-scale outages or transmission issues.
A green bond is debt issued to raise money specifically for projects with environmental benefits, such as grid upgrades, renewable energy or climate resilience work. REN (Redes Energéticas Nacionais) raising €300 million through green bonds signals investor demand and provides funds that can be used to strengthen energy infrastructure, which is important after repeated storms that damage networks.
