Spain says April blackout caused by technical failures, not cyberattack
Spain’s government released a report concluding that the massive blackout on 28 April that plunged parts of Spain and Portugal into darkness was due to a combination of technical miscalculations and planning failures, not a cyberattack. Voltage surges triggered a cascade of shutdowns across southern Spain.
The operator, Red Eléctrica (REE), underestimated thermal generation needs during peak hours, and some power plants failed to manage voltage despite contracts to do so. Over 15 GW—60 % of grid capacity—was lost in mere seconds, disrupting transport, communications, and utilities.
Energy Minister Sara Aagesen pledged reforms: enhanced supervision, infrastructure upgrades, and strengthened grid security.
Read a WTX News report on the blackouts
🔁 Reactions:
- Government (Aagesen/X): “Our investigation confirms the failure was technical, not a cyber threat, and we’re taking decisive steps to avoid repetition.”
- Opposition (energy sector critic): “Placing all faith in renewables without proper grid backup invites disaster. Greater investment is long overdue.”
📰 Bias Snapshot:
- AP/Euronews/Reuters provide careful, factual coverage—detailing causes, statistics, and government response without sensationalism.
- Financial Times offers deeper analysis, highlighting operator accountability, legal implications, and the implicated companies REE, Iberdrola, and Endesa (ft.com).
- The Independent invokes dramatic context, mentioning 80,000 stranded travellers and the broader net-zero debate (the-independent.com).
📊 Sentiment: Neutral.