Granada substation linked to Spain blackout
Power loss at a Granada substation triggered grid failures in Badajoz and Seville, causing a major blackout across Spain and Portugal.
Image for illustrative purposes
Spain, Madrid: Spain’s Energy Minister Sara Aagesen has identified a power loss at a substation in Granada as the starting point of the 28 April blackout that affected much of Spain and Portugal. Failures followed within seconds in Badajoz and Seville, resulting in a loss of 2.2 GW of electricity and triggering a cascade of grid disconnections.
This marks the first time authorities have named specific locations tied to the blackout, although the cause remains under investigation. Aagesen noted the complexity of the situation and said investigators are reviewing extensive data to determine what went wrong.
Spain’s main grid operator, REE, reported no technical issues on the national transmission grid at the time. The fault is believed to have originated in power generation systems or smaller grids outside REE’s control. Investigators are also examining possible voltage irregularities and reported instability in the days leading up to the event.
Aagesen ruled out cyberattacks, supply-demand imbalances, or inadequate grid capacity. She also dismissed claims that the government ignored prior warnings of a potential blackout.
Debate has emerged over Spain’s increasing reliance on renewable energy and its plan to close nuclear plants by 2035. Aagesen defended the current energy policy but left the door open to extending nuclear operations if conditions are met.
Source: Reuters
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