By Catherine McGeer

Copyright euroweeklynews

THE regional government has warned that Murcia’s electric grid is at full capacity, calling for urgent investment from the national government to avoid blocking industrial growth.

Distribution network overloaded

According to a recent report from Spain’s main electricity distributors, 82.4 per cent of Murcia’s distribution network cannot connect new customers. This shortage threatens ongoing industrial projects and the competitiveness of local businesses.

Government demands action

At a press conference, regional government spokesperson Marcos Ortuño said, ‘The electric grid has collapsed. The lack of investment in infrastructure is strangling our economic and business development.’ He urged the central government to act quickly to support growth and job creation.

Nationwide grid problems

The report shows similar issues across Spain, with 83.4 per cent of the national grid already overloaded. In Murcia, 136 of 165 energy nodes are fully occupied, leaving almost no room for new connections. This limits the region’s ability to expand renewable energy projects, particularly solar power, and slows potential investments.

Projects at risk

Currently, Murcia has 68 industrial projects under various stages of approval, worth nearly €1 billion and representing 900 megawatts of new capacity. Many projects have faced rejection, delays, or suspension due to the grid’s limitations.

Call for infrastructure investment

Ortuño stressed that the region’s new industrial plan could generate 17,000 jobs and mobilize €4.6 billion in investment, but only if the electric grid is upgraded.

Blackout highlights national problem

Earlier this year, a massive blackout left millions of people across Spain without electricity for most of the day. The power cut, caused by problems in the transmission system, disrupted transport, businesses, and homes, showing just how fragile the grid has become. Officials warned at the time that the blackout was a sign of deeper issues in the country’s energy network. The current shortage of capacity in Murcia is part of this wider national problem, which affects both industry and everyday life.