The great blackout that paralyzed the Iberian Peninsula on April 28 has triggered intense reflection on whether additional measures could have been taken to prevent it or at least minimize its impact. Although the Absolute certainty and zero risk do not exist in the electricity sector, events have once again brought the question to the table: Could more have been done to avoid this situation?
Following what happened, Thousands of people were affected in various ways: Cut off by the lack of coverage, trapped on trains or in elevators, and forced to travel on foot for hours. The power outage highlighted the extent to which everyday life depends on electricity. This type of episodes reveals that, although the Spanish electrical system is robust, The transition to renewable energy still requires considerable adaptation both at the technical level and in management and regulation.
Why did the blackout occur? System failures and challenges
Research points to a concatenation of overloads and instability in the electrical grid. as the main causes of the collapse. Various experts point out that the planned protection and firewall systems were unable to isolate the problem in time, causing what is technically known as a "peninsular zero": generation could not match demand, and the grid simply collapsed.
The massive integration of renewable energies, in particular photovoltaic and wind, is transforming the system. These sources, which depend on power electronics and do not provide the inertia of conventional sources, require specific technologies to stabilize frequency and voltage. Furthermore, Much of the grid and its regulations were not fully adapted to manage this new energy mix.Delays are mounting in the implementation of storage systems and in regulating the response and shutdown capacity of these facilities.
In the specific case of this blackout, warnings about the need to adapt networks and update protection standards had already been issued weeks earlier, both by technical bodies and by the system operator itself. However, regulatory updates and investment in key infrastructure have progressed slowly.
The role of renewables and the importance of planning
The expansion of renewable energies is a widely shared objective, but it requires profound transformations to guarantee supply. The progressive closure of coal-fired power plants and the restriction of gas-fired power plants have increased the weight of wind and solar power, which complicates grid management. Experts insist that The integration of renewables must be accompanied by investments in smart grids and appropriate backup mechanisms. (such as maintaining part of the nuclear capacity or increasing energy storage), in addition to regulations requiring renewable facilities to be equipped with stabilization technologies.
The blackout has highlighted the need for new plants to meet strict requirements to avoid overloads and instability. According to some engineers, the lack of planning and the slowness in adapting regulations new realities have been determining factors for an incidence of this magnitude to occur.
Can it be prevented from happening again?
All the experts consulted agree that The electrical system will never be risk-free, but the probability of future blackouts can be minimized.They propose several ways to strengthen the system:
- Improve and update the network's protection and controlled disconnection systems, especially so that they can respond more quickly to incidents.
- Increase investment in energy storage, both large-scale (batteries) and local infrastructure, to balance supply and demand and provide flexibility to the system.
- Update the regulations to require advanced equipment in new renewable installations and promote regulations that compensate for the stabilization services that batteries can provide.
- Strengthen social training and awareness to respond effectively to energy crises, minimizing the social and economic impact.
Political reaction and the need for coordination
While technical investigations progress, the political class also debates responsibilities and necessary reforms.The Spanish government has convened analysis committees, created working groups on cybersecurity and electrical operation, and cooperated with Portugal, a country also affected. At the same time, various parties and organizations are urging reform of system management, separating functions, and increasing transparency to avoid conflicts of interest.
Furthermore, international collaboration is considered essential. Spain and Portugal have agreed to share data and coordinate actions with European organizations and neighboring countries such as France and Morocco, with the aim of identifying the source of the incident and improving the joint response.
What technical solutions are being considered: battery storage and smart management
One of the most repeated proposals is the implementation of large-scale energy storage systems, mainly by means of batteries. These systems can absorb surplus renewable production and release it during times of high demand or when there are unexpected drops., improving grid stability and flexibility. Although the technology is available, its regulation and remuneration remain in need of improvement in Spain, which is key to attracting the necessary private investment.
In addition to storage, the following is considered: modernization of the electrical grid with more smart nodes, greater digitalization, and the use of distributed generation and self-consumption. This evolution would allow act more quickly in emergency situations, creating "electricity islands" that ensure supply in certain areas and facilitate faster service recovery.
Causes and Recovery: How Power Was Restored
To return power to the grid, operators had to resort to base-load power plants with synchronous generators (such as nuclear and hydroelectric plants) and rely on international interconnections with France and Morocco. The recovery process was carried out gradually, zone by zone, to prevent further power outages and ensure frequency and voltage stability.
The gradual restoration of power prioritized critical areas and hospitals, and action was taken to avoid jeopardizing recovery. Experience has shown that, although theory suggested much longer times for restoring electricity, the response was faster than expected, although not without difficulties and social impact.
The social response and the role of citizens
The electricity crisis of April 28th tested society's capacity to respond. Many people had to reinvent their daily lives, resorting to mobility by bicycle or on foot, and adapting their routines without access to basic technology or services. Surveys show that a large portion of the population demanded more information and transparency from the authorities during the crisis. Experts insist that foster a culture of energy resilience It is essential for society to handle future emergencies with serenity and common sense.
Of course, the blackout has sparked a profound debate about priorities in the energy transition, grid modernization, and the role of both policymakers and citizens. While there's no guarantee that incidents won't occur again, their impact and frequency can be reduced through better planning, increased investment, and a coordinated response among all stakeholders.