The National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC) has initiated sanctioning proceedings against Mercuria Sostenible, a company linked to the Bruc group, as part of the investigation into the power outage on April 28, 2025, known as the ‘zero electricity’ event. This is the regulator's first action against a company in the renewable energy sector within a process that already has over 60 open proceedings in the electricity system.
The proceedings, formalized on May 13, are based on indications of a serious infringement of the Spanish Electricity Sector Law. The CNMC points to possible breaches of articles 64.15, 64.16, and 64.17, related to following system operator instructions, service security rules, and facility maintenance obligations. The agency has specified that these potential breaches do not pose a risk to supply guarantee or cause serious harm.
This procedure, with a maximum resolution period of up to 18 months, is based on indications detected during the investigation, some of which were maintained for prolonged periods, that allegedly affected the system's operation. The initiation of proceedings does not imply a sanction and now opens a period for the investigated company to submit its arguments.
The focus of the investigation centers on the management of energy evacuation generated by renewable plants. Mercuria acts as the operator of the infrastructures that connect this production to the transport grid, serving as a vehicle for the Bruc group in managing assets linked to large solar developments. Its role in the internal network that manages energy outflow places it at a critical point in the system, reinforcing the regulator's thesis that potential breaches affect both production and integration infrastructure.
The investigation occurs in a context where Seville hosts significant solar developments, such as the Cartago complex. This complex, promoted by Bruc and developed with the participation of Magtel, groups 18 photovoltaic plants connected to the Don Rodrigo node. Mercuria is linked to this system as the manager of the infrastructure that channels energy to the grid, including substations and high-voltage lines, in municipalities such as Carmona, El Viso del Alcor, Mairena del Alcor, and Alcalá de Guadaíra.
The CNMC's action expands the scope of its investigation into the renewable energy sector, extending beyond major electricity companies and the system operator. The proceedings against Mercuria highlight the increasing complexity of the electricity system due to the penetration of renewables and potential issues detected at various levels, from generation to connection and evacuation.
The proceedings are part of the investigation into the April 28, 2025 blackout, which the CNMC concluded had a multifactorial origin. The agency has identified indications of breaches that could have contributed to the system's collapse due to overvoltage. The CNMC emphasizes that the initiation of proceedings does not imply direct attribution of the blackout to the investigated companies, and it is analyzing behaviors prior to the incident to define responsibilities.
