With the safety of all citizens as its top priority, HEDNO once again successfully carried out the “ATLAS 2026”, with the aim of effectively responding to emergencies, particularly following a major earthquake. This initiative was carried out in collaboration with the Organization for Earthquake Planning and Protection (OASP) with the support of the president and professor emeritus of Dynamics, Tectonics and Applied Geology and Natural Disaster Management at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Efthymios Lekkas.
As part of the tabletop exercise, which took place in a controlled environment without the deployment of field forces, four operational scenarios concerning Western Attica and Western Athens were examined. Based on these, participants were asked to assess critical situations, make decisions, and activate the established emergency response procedures.
The scenarios involved hypothetical situations following a strong earthquake and included, among other things, widespread power outages due to damage to critical infrastructure, staff health and safety issues, the need for immediate power supply to temporary shelters for earthquake victims, as well as the simultaneous management of a fire threatening the electricity distribution network.
Given that electricity distribution networks constitute critical national infrastructure of strategic importance and are a key pillar of the operation of complex socio-technical systems, the “ATLAS 2026” exercise demonstrated HEDNO’s operational readiness and organizational resilience through the testing of procedures, assessing coordination among the involved agencies, and managing complex incidents under high-pressure conditions, as highlighted in the relevant announcement.
The exercise takes on particular significance as natural disasters and complex crises are now occurring with greater intensity, frequency, and complexity, affecting critical infrastructure, economic activity, and the daily lives of citizens. Electricity grids constitute vital infrastructure upon which critical functions depend, such as healthcare services, transportation, telecommunications, water supply infrastructure, digital services, and government civil protection mechanisms.
For HEDNO, strengthening the resilience of its infrastructure, ensuring business continuity, and effective crisis management are strategic priorities. In this context, particular emphasis is placed on managing complex situations through realistic exercises and on effective coordination with civil protection, the Hellenic Police, and the Fire Service, on the protection of vital functions and critical infrastructure, as well as on addressing phenomena such as fires or floods following an earthquake.
Regarding the “ATLAS 2026” exercise, HEDNO CEO Anastasios Manos noted:“Through this exercise, HEDNO has demonstrated that it is fully operationally ready to manage complex situations that could endanger the power grids.
We continue to invest systematically in training, cooperation, and operational preparedness, strengthening our ability every day to protect our people, shield critical infrastructure, and ensure the reliable operation of the grid for the benefit of society.”
In planning the exercise, which took place on May 27, 2026, in addition to HEDNO executives, representatives and scientific staff from the Organization for Earthquake Planning and Protection (OASP), the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, the Hellenic Police, the Hellenic Fire Service, the Hellenic Coast Guard, the Hellenic National Defense General Staff (DIKAFKA), and the Region of Attica.