The recent massive blackout that plunged the Iberian Peninsula into darkness on Monday has raised alarm across Spain and Portugal. Initial investigations suggest that this unprecedented event was triggered by the sudden disappearance of 15 gigawatts of power from Spain’s electricity grid. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed grave concerns during a press conference, stating, “This has never happened before.” He emphasized that the cause of the blackout remains unknown, but experts are diligently working to uncover the truth.
According to a spokesperson for the Spanish government, at precisely 12:33 p.m., a staggering 15 gigawatts of energy production in Spain vanished for five seconds. This sudden loss of electricity accounted for approximately 60 percent of the total power being consumed nationwide at that moment. The abrupt decline destabilized Spain’s electricity grid, which is intricately linked with Portugal’s grid and connected to the broader European network through limited interconnections with France.
Eduardo Prieto, the director of the Spanish transmission system operator Red Eléctrica, stated that the blackout resulted from a “very strong oscillation in the electrical network.” This oscillation caused Spain’s power system to disconnect from the European network, leading to a complete collapse of the Iberian electricity network at 12:38.
The blackout had far-reaching consequences, impacting critical services including public transport, traffic lights, hospitals, and payment systems. The unprecedented nature of this crisis has sparked intense speculation regarding its origins. Spain’s recent political stances, particularly its opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza and its support for Ukraine amidst Russian aggression, have made the nation a potential target for cyberattacks.
In light of these concerns, the Joint Cyberspace Command, under the Defense Staff, along with the National Cryptologic Center, has initiated investigations into the blackout. As the situation evolves, Sánchez acknowledged the likelihood of a “long night” ahead, indicating that restoring power to the entire country may take longer than anticipated.
During the press conference, Sánchez advised citizens to prioritize their safety and, if possible, work from home on Tuesday. “Spanish citizens should and can feel calm,” he reassured the public, highlighting that security forces are actively working to maintain order throughout the nation. To ensure safety, 30,000 members of Spain’s police force and the Civil Guard gendarmerie corps have been deployed across the country, with additional reserve units on standby should the situation require further assistance.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available regarding the causes and consequences of the blackout that has affected millions in the Iberian Peninsula.
