What's happened
On April 28, 2025, a massive power outage affected nearly the entire Iberian Peninsula, leaving millions in Spain and Portugal without electricity. The cause remains under investigation, with officials citing potential issues in the European grid. Emergency services were disrupted, and both governments declared states of emergency.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights
- Widespread Impact: The blackout affected tens of millions, disrupting daily life, including public transport and emergency services. Hospitals relied on backup generators, and many were stranded in elevators or public transport.
- Government Response: Both Spanish and Portuguese governments convened emergency meetings to address the crisis. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasized the need for calm and urged against speculation about the cause.
- Potential Causes: While some sources suggest a rare atmospheric phenomenon, others, including Spain's meteorological office, have ruled out weather as a factor. The investigation continues, with officials not dismissing any possibilities, including cyberattacks.
- Public Preparedness: The incident has reignited discussions about emergency preparedness among citizens, with experts recommending that individuals stockpile essentials and stay informed about potential crises.
- Future Implications: As Europe increasingly relies on renewable energy, the stability of power grids may be tested further. Experts warn that fluctuations in energy output could lead to more frequent outages if infrastructure does not adapt accordingly.
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, the blackout left millions unable to access basic services, prompting emergency declarations in both Spain and Portugal. Esther Addley notes that the event has raised questions about public preparedness for such crises. Meanwhile, the New York Times reported on the confusion and anxiety experienced by residents, with many stuck in public transport and unable to communicate. Jonathan Wolfe highlighted the lack of reliable information during the outage, as people turned to radios for updates. Al Jazeera provided insights into the government's response, noting that officials are investigating the cause, which may involve a rare atmospheric phenomenon. The Independent emphasized the disruption to daily life, including impacts on hospitals and emergency services. Overall, the coverage illustrates a consensus on the severity of the situation while differing on the potential causes and implications for future energy stability.
How we got here
The blackout occurred around 12:30 PM local time, impacting major cities and causing widespread chaos. Authorities are investigating the cause, which may involve a rare atmospheric phenomenon or issues within the European electricity grid. This incident follows a series of warnings about the vulnerability of power systems across Europe.
Go deeper
- What caused the blackout?
- How are people coping without power?
- What are the governments doing to prevent future outages?
Common question
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What caused the recent power outage in Spain and Portugal?
On April 28, 2025, a massive power outage struck Spain and Portugal, leaving millions in darkness and raising numerous questions about its causes and effects. As investigations unfold, many are left wondering how such an event can impact daily life and what safety measures can be taken during outages.
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Spain, officially the Kingdom of Spain, is a country in Southwestern Europe with some pockets of territory across the Strait of Gibraltar and the Atlantic Ocean. Its continental European territory is situated on the Iberian Peninsula.
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Portugal, officially the Portuguese Republic, is a country located mostly on the Iberian Peninsula, in southwestern Europe. It is the westernmost sovereign state of mainland Europe, being bordered to the west and south by the Atlantic Ocean and to the nor
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Morocco, officially the Kingdom of Morocco, is a country located in the Maghreb region of North Africa. It overlooks the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the west, with land borders with Algeria to the east and Western Sahara to th