Berlin Anarchists Cite AI in Attack on Key Energy Infrastructure

On January 3, 2026, Berlin was thrust into darkness as a group of anarchists known as the Volcano Group claimed responsibility for an arson attack on the Lichterfelde power station. The attack, which left around 45,000 households and 2,200 businesses without power, was executed to protest the energy demands of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies. Computer Weekly reports that the incident is the longest blackout Berlin has experienced since World War II.

The sabotage targeted cables connected to the Lichterfelde power station, causing a five-day blackout. While emergency generators kept essential services like hospitals operational, most residents faced significant disruptions. Approximately 10,000 households regained power within 24 hours, but the full network was not restored until January 7. The attack highlights vulnerabilities in Berlin's infrastructure, with Anadolu Agency noting the widespread impact and subsequent declaration of a state of emergency.

The Volcano Group's actions were driven by opposition to the 'fossil fuel economy' and the extensive energy consumption of AI technologies. In statements released online, the group criticized the environmental degradation linked to digital infrastructure expansions, arguing that these developments prioritize economic growth over ecological sustainability. Their rhetoric emphasizes a rejection of 'smart city' transformations, which they claim lead to greater authoritarian control. The Anarchist Library provides further insight into their ideology.

Berlin's mayor, Kai Wegner, condemned the act as terrorism, emphasizing the risk to human lives. Similarly, energy senator Franziska Giffey highlighted the need for increased security over transparency to prevent such incidents. The attack has prompted German federal prosecutors to open a terrorism investigation against the group, classified as a left-wing extremist organization. These developments underscore the legal and political challenges in addressing such acts of sabotage.