German authorities investigate two separate power grid sabotage incidents

German authorities are investigating two suspected sabotage incidents targeting the country's power infrastructure within a single day. On Tuesday evening, a deliberate attack occurred at a substation in Bergheim, near Cologne. While the power supply remained unaffected, network operator Amprion confirmed external interference. Consequently, energy giant RWE was forced to disconnect five lignite-fired power units with a combined capacity of 4,200 megawatts at the Neurath and Niederaußem plants. The units are expected to be reconnected to the grid in the coming days.

Earlier on Tuesday, a separate incident involved rockets containing conductive material, which damaged power lines in the eastern state of Brandenburg. These incidents coincide with heightened security concerns in Germany, following the government's recent accusation against Russia regarding a failed drone attack on a cargo plane at Leipzig/Halle Airport last month. Police and utility companies are currently collaborating to assess the damage and ensure the stability of the power grid, though they have not provided specific details regarding the methodology used in the Bergheim attack.