Overview

• The blackout, starting at 11:33 am local time on April 28, disrupted power across Spain, Portugal, and briefly affected southern France.
• Critical infrastructure, including metros, trains, and airports in Madrid, Lisbon, and Barcelona, was paralyzed, with nuclear plants relying on diesel backup systems.
• Grid operators in Spain and Portugal activated multi-stage restoration plans, with France and Morocco supplying emergency electricity to aid recovery.
• By late evening, approximately 35% of Spain's grid was restored, with full recovery expected within six to ten hours in most areas.
• Authorities have ruled out cyberattacks as the cause, with investigations ongoing into potential technical failures or rare atmospheric phenomena.