Overview

• A sudden grid collapse on April 28 caused a 15 GW power loss, plunging 55 million people in Spain and Portugal into darkness for up to 20 hours.
• Authorities have ruled out cyber sabotage and extreme weather as causes, focusing on technical failures and renewable energy imbalances.
• The blackout disrupted daily life, halting trains, traffic systems, and leaving over 35,000 passengers stranded, with five indirect deaths reported.
• Experts highlight the vulnerability of Spain’s renewable-heavy grid, citing limited storage capacity and reduced inertia as critical weaknesses.
• The Spanish government and judicial bodies have launched investigations to determine accountability and prevent future failures.