German authorities have launched investigations into two separate incidents believed to involve deliberate sabotage at power facilities in the eastern and western parts of the country.
In Brandenburg, police are examining a case that could have a terrorist connection after explosive devices were reportedly found near the Jänschwalde coal-fired power plant. Meanwhile, investigators are looking into a deliberate short circuit at a power substation in Bergheim, near Cologne.
Energy company RWE subsequently halted operations at five coal-fired units with a combined capacity of around 4,200 megawatts.
North Rhine-Westphalia Interior Minister Herbert Reul said investigators were considering several possible motives, including sabotage allegedly directed by a foreign government and potential involvement by left-wing extremist groups.
