Report: Grid Failures Caused April Iberian Blackout

A government report confirmed that the April 28, 2025 blackout that paralyzed Spain and Portugal was caused by a power surge and a chain reaction of disconnections, not a cyberattack. Investigators cited technical and planning errors, including poor voltage control, insufficient coordination, and a lack of backup generation capacity, particularly from conventional power plants. Red Eléctrica, the grid operator, did not have enough thermal power plants online to manage the surge, and some companies failed to absorb excess voltage. The blackout lasted up to 10 hours, cutting 60% of Spain’s electricity supply in five seconds and severely disrupting infrastructure and daily life across the Iberian Peninsula. Authorities called for improved planning, grid supervision, and investment to stabilize networks as renewable energy increases. An international commission with European experts is continuing the investigation, with further findings expected in the coming year.