Major Blackout Hits Spain and Portugal Amid Renewable Energy Reliance
On Monday, a significant power outage struck Spain and Portugal at 12:38 p.m. local time, coinciding with a period when renewable energy sources, primarily solar and wind power, accounted for approximately 78% of electricity supply. The blackout occurred after a drastic 50% drop in solar photovoltaic generation, which severely compromised electricity availability.
The director of Red Eléctrica, Spain’s grid operator, attributed the incident to a “strong oscillation” within the electrical grid that caused the Spanish system to disconnect from the European network. Similarly, the Prime Minister emphasized that while the cause remains under investigation, experts are focused on understanding the critical five seconds that precipitated the collapse.
Commentators, such as journalist Michael Shellenberger, warned that the blackout highlights vulnerabilities inherent in relying heavily on renewable energy. Comparatively, he pointed to California’s parallel trajectory, where lawmakers are phasing out conventional energy sources, risking future power stability.
The incident raises pressing questions about the economic and infrastructural viability of the current green energy movement, drawing attention to the financial ecosystem underpinning solar and wind projects. As debates intensify, many are left wondering about the implications for energy policy in the coming years.
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