Spain blames blackout on miscalculation by power grid operator

REE misjudgment caused April blackout, says Spain's energy chief

Anabelle Colaco
20 Jun 2025, 15:41 GMT+10

Spain blames blackout on miscalculation by power grid operator

A routine oversight by Spain's power grid operator, REE, has been identified as the trigger behind the large-scale blackout that swept across the Iberian peninsula in late April, according to findings from a government-led investigation
The report found that REE underestimated the amount of electricity needed to ensure voltage stability during peak hours on April 28 — a miscalculation that set off a chain reaction, plunging cities into gridlock and stranding thousands in elevators and trains
She said REE failed to keep enough thermal power plants online during critical hours

MADRID, Spain: A routine oversight by Spain's power grid operator, REE, has been identified as the trigger behind the large-scale blackout that swept across the Iberian peninsula in late April, according to findings from a government-led investigation released this week.

The report found that REE underestimated the amount of electricity needed to ensure voltage stability during peak hours on April 28 — a miscalculation that set off a chain reaction, plunging cities into gridlock and stranding thousands in elevators and trains.

"The system did not have sufficient dynamic voltage control capacity," Spain's Energy Minister Sara Aagesen told reporters in Madrid.

She said REE failed to keep enough thermal power plants online during critical hours. "They only set it for the early hours of the day, not the central hours."

The report, published in full on June 17, also found that some power plants legally required to help stabilize the grid failed to absorb the reactive power needed to manage the surge.

"Many of them were economically remunerated to do so," Aagesen said. "They did not absorb all the reactive power that was expected in a context of high voltages."

Maintaining grid stability requires the system frequency — usually 50 Hertz (Hz) across Europe — to remain within narrow bounds. Deviations can damage infrastructure and equipment.

The minister confirmed there was no evidence of a cyberattack.

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Johannesburg Life.

More Information

null in null

International

Section

UBS: Over 379,000 Americans became millionaires last year

US gained 1,000 new millionaires a day in 2024, says UBS

ZURICH, Switzerland: The U.S. saw an extraordinary rise in wealth last year, with more than 1,000 people crossing into millionaire...

The Hague faces lockdown for global leaders' meet

The Hague becomes fortress ahead of NATO summit

THE HAGUE, Netherlands: The city that prides itself on being a beacon of peace and justice—home to institutions like the International...

Drug shortages and layoffs spark health crisis in Argentina

Milei's austerity cuts cripple Argentina's public health system

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina: Since taking office in December 2023, Argentine President Javier Milei has implemented sweeping austerity...

Volcanic ash grounds flights to Indonesia, disrupts travel to Bali

Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi erupts, forcing village evacuations

LEMBATA, Indonesia: Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki erupted dramatically on June 18, generating substantial ash and smoke plumes....

REE misjudgment caused April blackout, says Spain's energy chief

MADRID, Spain: A routine oversight by Spain's power grid operator, REE, has been identified as the trigger behind the large-scale blackout...

Trump gives himself a fortnight to decide on joining Netanyahu's war

Trump delays decision to go to war against Iran for two weeks

WASHINGTON, DC - In a bid to defuse speculation, U.S. President Donald Trump says he will make his decision on whether to have the...

Africa

Section

REE misjudgment caused April blackout, says Spain's energy chief

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

International

UBS: Over 379,000 Americans became millionaires last year

The Hague faces lockdown for global leaders' meet

Drug shortages and layoffs spark health crisis in Argentina

Volcanic ash grounds flights to Indonesia, disrupts travel to Bali

REE misjudgment caused April blackout, says Spain's energy chief

Trump gives himself a fortnight to decide on joining Netanyahu's war

Africa

UNAIDS: Trump’s HIV aid cuts risk reversing global progress

Australia's Konstas reflects on early challenges, highlights importance of personal diary ahead of WI Test

Dispelling myths: a reality check on China's consumption

Trump announces peace treaty between Congo and Rwanda, says "great day for Africa"

Daily World Briefing, June 21

KENYA-NAIROBI-EAST AFRICA FASHION LIFE SHOW

Movie Review

Head [Blu-Ray]