On Monday, 28 April 2025, at approximately 12:33 PM CEST, a sudden and extensive power outage swept across mainland Spain and Portugal, leaving millions without electricity for several hours. The blackout also affected parts of Andorra and southern France, disrupting transportation, communications, and essential services.
Extent of the Disruption
The power failure brought daily life to a standstill. Public transport systems, including trains and metro services, were halted, leaving passengers stranded. Traffic lights ceased functioning, causing gridlocks in major cities like Madrid and Lisbon. Hospitals operated on emergency generators, and telecommunications were severely impacted, with many areas losing phone and internet connectivity. ATMs and electronic payment systems were also rendered inoperative, leading to long queues at cash points and supermarkets
Investigating the Cause
The exact cause of the blackout remains under investigation. Initial reports suggested a rare atmospheric phenomenon, possibly induced by extreme temperature variations, leading to oscillations in high-voltage power lines and a failure in grid synchronisation. However, this explanation has been met with skepticism, and authorities have not ruled out other possibilities, including technical failures or cyberattacks.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated, “We are thoroughly investigating all potential causes of this unprecedented blackout. No hypothesis is being dismissed at this stage.”
Human Impact and Response
Tragically, the blackout has been linked to at least five deaths in Spain. In Valencia, a 46-year-old woman reliant on an oxygen machine died when the power failed. In Madrid, a woman perished in a fire likely started by a candle used during the outage. Additionally, a family of three in Taboadela succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning from a faulty generator.
Emergency services were overwhelmed, with a reported 500% increase in calls in regions like Andalucía. The Spanish government declared a state of emergency, deploying 30,000 police officers to maintain order and assist affected citizens.
Restoration Efforts
Power restoration began gradually on Monday evening. By Tuesday morning, approximately 99.95% of Spain and the majority of Portugal had electricity restored. The recovery process involved complex “black start” procedures to re-establish grid balance, prioritising critical services.
Calls for Infrastructure Review
The blackout has sparked debates over the resilience of the Iberian Peninsula’s power infrastructure. Critics argue that the region’s heavy reliance on renewable energy sources, without adequate backup systems, may have contributed to the grid’s vulnerability. In response, the Portuguese government has requested an independent audit by the European regulatory agency to assess the incident and recommend improvements.
As investigations continue, authorities urge the public to remain patient and vigilant. The incident underscores the importance of robust and resilient energy infrastructures in an increasingly electrified world