A significant blackout that plunged the Iberian Peninsula into darkness on Monday was reportedly triggered by the sudden loss of 15 gigawatts of electricity from Spain’s power grid. This unexpected event raised alarms across the nation and prompted an urgent response from government officials.
During a press conference late on Monday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his concern over the incident, stating, “This has never happened before.” He emphasized that while the cause remains unknown, experts are diligently investigating. “No hypothesis has been rejected, and every possible cause is being examined,” he asserted.
Unprecedented power loss and its implications
A government spokesperson revealed that at precisely 12:33 p.m., 15 gigawatts of energy abruptly vanished from the grid, an amount equivalent to 60 percent of the total electricity being consumed in Spain at that moment. This drastic drop destabilized the electricity network, which is closely interconnected with Portugal and linked to the broader European grid through limited cross-border connections with France.
Eduardo Prieto, director of Red Eléctrica, the Spanish transmission system operator, explained that the blackout resulted from a “very strong oscillation in the electrical network,” which ultimately led to Spain’s power system disconnecting from the European system. He noted that the collapse of the Iberian electricity network occurred at 12:38 p.m.
Heightened concerns and security measures
The blackout had far-reaching effects, disrupting public transport, traffic signals, hospitals, and payment systems across the country. Given Spain’s current geopolitical context—its opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza and support for Ukraine against Russian aggression—there was considerable speculation about the possibility of cyberattacks as a contributing factor. Investigations into the blackout have been initiated by the Joint Cyberspace Command and the National Cryptologic Center.
“Spanish citizens should and can feel calm,” the prime minister reassured the public, highlighting that security forces are working to maintain order throughout the nation.
As the situation unfolded, Sánchez warned that restoring power might take longer than expected. He advised citizens to prioritize their safety and consider working from home if possible. To ensure public safety, 30,000 members of the police force and the Civil Guard have been deployed across the country, with additional reserve units on standby for further assistance if necessary.
This incident remains unprecedented in Spain’s history, prompting both immediate concern and a thorough investigation into the causes of the blackout.