A massive power outage this week crippled Spain and Portugal – equivalent to 60% of Spain’s electricity demand being switched off without warning.
While Spanish and Portuguese grid operators cited a “rare atmospheric phenomenon” and voltage oscillations as triggers, some experts point to the region’s heavy reliance on renewable energy as a contributing factor, raising questions about the stability of net-zero-focused energy systems.
Renewable power weakens grid resilience
Spain and Portugal are leaders in renewable energy, with solar and wind accounting for 56% of Spain’s electricity in 2024. However, the intermittent nature of renewables, coupled with reduced grid inertia from phasing out fossil fuel and nuclear plants, can make power systems vulnerable to sudden disruptions. Experts have raised concerns that the high penetration of solar power in the Iberian grid may have amplified the blackout’s severity, as low-inertia systems struggle to manage disturbances. This has sparked debate about whether net-zero policies, which prioritise renewables, inadvertently weaken grid resilience.
Cause for concern for Ed Miliband
Will UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband be worried? Likely, yes. The UK is pursuing an ambitious net-zero agenda, aiming for a decarbonised grid by 2030. Miliband has championed wind and solar expansion while opposing new fossil fuel projects. The Iberian blackout serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the risks of over-reliance on variable energy sources without robust backup systems or grid interconnections. Commentators on X have highlighted growing public scepticism, with some blaming net-zero policies for increasing blackout risks.
Need to strengthen cross-border grid Connections
This incident suggests a need to rethink energy strategies. While renewables are critical for reducing emissions, grid stability demands diverse energy sources, including nuclear or gas as transitional backups, and enhanced storage solutions like batteries. Strengthening cross-border grid connections, as Spain relied on France and Morocco for recovery, is also vital. Miliband may need to balance ideological commitments with pragmatic measures to avoid similar vulnerabilities in the UK. For more on the region’s climate and energy efforts, visit our Environment section.
Balance to strike
The Iberian blackout isn’t a condemnation of net zero but a signal to prioritise resilience alongside decarbonisation. Energy policy must evolve to ensure that the lights stay on while we chase a greener future.
