Massive Blackout in Spain and Portugal: The Shocking Truth Behind the Voltage Surge
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Massive Blackout in Spain and Portugal: The Shocking Truth Behind the Voltage Surge

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Summary:

  • Voltage surge in southern Spain triggered a 10-hour blackout across Spain and Portugal

  • Technical faults and planning issues, including a programming error, were key causes

  • Disruptions affected internet, phone connectivity, public transport, and businesses

  • Government plans to strengthen the grid and improve voltage control

  • Spain denies renewable energy reliance caused the blackout, stays committed to energy transition

Spanish investigators have unveiled the cause behind the massive blackout that left Spain and Portugal in darkness for over 10 hours in late April. The incident, attributed to a "voltage surge", sparked a chain reaction of protective shutdowns across the Iberian peninsula.

What Caused the Blackout?

The blackout began with a voltage surge in southern Spain, leading to small grid failures. Sara Aagesen, Spain's Ecological Transition Minister, highlighted a combination of technical faults and planning issues, including insufficient voltage control capacity and a programming error, as key factors.

The Impact

Cities across both nations were plunged into darkness, disrupting internet and phone connectivity, public transport, and businesses. The event is considered one of the worst blackouts in Europe's history.

Government Response

New measures are being planned to strengthen the grid and improve voltage control. The Spanish government also aims to further integrate the Iberian peninsula with the European grid, denying claims that reliance on renewable energy was to blame.

Looking Ahead

Despite the challenges, Spain remains committed to its energy transition plans, with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez affirming the country's direction towards sustainable energy sources.

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