Berlin Blackout: A power outage in freezing temperatures in winter has upset the feeling of security in urban centers in Germany. A power outage is ordinary in situations where a region has a weak energy distribution network, but in situations where one of Europe’s most modern capitals is in question, a power outage is not what one would consider ordinary.
For almost two days, southwest Berlin was in darkness, which is where temperatures were plummeting to -9 degrees centigrade. Almost 45,000 households, in addition to over 1,100 business entities, were without energy. This has led to what is currently termed to be the longest blackout in postwar Berlin. The nature, timing and motives of what has already become a terrorist act have made Germany’s prosecutors label it so.
How the sabotage was carried out & the infrastructure it crippled
The power cut started at the early hours of Saturday, January 3, after a fire broke out at a bridge that held high voltage-power transmission lines crossing over the Teltow Canal, located in a southwestern part of Berlin. It has emerged that a number of transmission lines had been deliberately set on fire through the use of incendiary devices.
This particular transmission line network covered a gas-fired power station at Lichterfelde, a major such hub for Berlin. As soon as transmission lines were knocked out, homes in the region would be immediately cut off from electricity, leaving about 100,000 people in darkness.
Who Claimed the Sabotage & What They Communicated
Only a short time after the disruption of an extreme far-left group named Vulkangruppe or Volcano Group, influenced by extreme ideology, took responsibility for the online attack. The group within its written declaration, stated it had attacked fossil fuel infrastructure as a form of political protest against what it believed to be destruction of the environment.
The group’s declaration had an ideological and aggressive tone, claiming the attack was a matter of ‘self-defense’ against energy capitalism. However, the group showed regret not only about the effects of its attack but also took responsibility, a claim supported by authorities as credible.
Why is the Terrorism Link Behind Berlin’s Longest Blackout Since WWII
The prosecutors from Germany say that the intentions as well as the outcome are more than just vandalism or a form of protest. The assault was aimed at critical infrastructure and there was planning behind it.
The lives of civilians were also deliberately put at risk when the temperature was very low. The police are analyzing criminal accusations for terrorism membership, sabotage, arson, as well as disturbance of public services. The Federal Prosecutor’s Office has actually taken over the case.
How Berlin’s Recent Blackout Stacks Up Against WWII-Era Power Failures
Power outages have occurred intermittently in the German capital of Berlin during the course of WW2 due to bombing raids by the Allies. Power outages have continued to remain localized and of a temporary nature.
According to reports, this is the longest blackout the city has experienced since 1945. Furthermore, this blackout has occurred at a time when the world is at peace.
How the Blackout Affected Medical Services & Vulnerable Citizens
The blackout presented an imminent danger to hospitals, nursing homes and patients who relied on medical equipment. Portable power generators were used, but there were severe concerns about extended power supply from these generators.
Some patients were shifted to other facilities and health support was stretched. The mayor of Berlin stated that those who attacked them had deliberately placed lives in jeopardy, mainly for the elderly, children and those who were ill.
How the City Managed Berlin’s Two-Day Power Outage
A full-scale emergency response was launched including bringing in the German army to help with logistics and fuel deliveries. Hotels, schools and sports centres were converted into warming shelters. Public buses and swimming pools opened their doors day and night, offering heat and hot water. The city also agreed to cover hotel costs for the displaced residents, capping the nightly rate at €70 per room.
Why Prosecutors See the Blackout as a Terrorist Act
According to the authorities, the attack also corresponds with a larger trend of ideologically driven violence that targets the vulnerabilities of modern cities. Domestic intelligence services have observed the association with the Volcano Group for several years and described it as violence-oriented extremism. This corresponds with the policing category of terrorism.
Previous Attacks Attributed to the Volcano Group
It is known to have been involved in previous events, such as the 2021 arson attack on Tesla’s planned assembly plant in the Grunheide region, as well as the 2024 sabotage of a high-voltage pylon, which shut down Tesla’s production for days.
It is also known for having taken credit for other attacks on research institutions in the region of Berlin. Experts claim that these events follow a clear set of patterns.
Timeline of Power Restoration in Berlin
The restoration of power proved to be technically involved. On Tuesday, almost 25,000 households still lacked power. The restoration began steadily and all households had power restored by Thursday, January 8. According to reports, this proved to be a delicate operation in light of the severity of damage caused to high-voltage cables.
