Spain Identifies Granada Substation Origin of 2.2GW Blackout in Spain, Portugal

Spain's unprecedented blackout on April 28, affecting both Spain and Portugal, originated from an abrupt loss of power generation at a substation in Granada, followed seconds later by failures in Seville and Badajoz, resulting in a total loss of 2.2 gigawatts of electricity, according to Energy Minister Sara Aagesen. The investigations, involving government and technical experts, have ruled out causes such as cyberattacks, supply-demand imbalances, and insufficient grid capacity, but the exact cause remains undetermined and is expected to be complex. Authorities are analyzing vast amounts of data and have noted reports of excessive voltage and grid volatility in the days leading up to the blackout as possible factors. The incident has sparked scrutiny of Spain's increasing reliance on renewable energy and its plan to phase out nuclear power by 2035, with critics suggesting the relatively low share of nuclear and fossil fuels might have reduced grid inertia. However, Aagesen defended the government's energy policy, highlighting the benefits of renewables in reducing energy costs and enhancing energy autonomy. This event marks the first time Spanish officials have publicly identified a geographic origin for the blackout, underscoring the complexity and challenges of the ongoing inquiry.