Preceding the revelation of the reasons behind the megacoup's occurrence
Spain's Bizarre Blackout: Still a Mystery
The enigma of the power outage that left Spain and Portugal in the dark is far from solved, over a week later. The colossal blackout occurred on April 28, stretching across mainland Portugal, Spain, including the bustling city of Madrid, Andorra, and parts of southwest France, leaving many in the dark for ten hours or more.
Spanish Minister of Ecological Transition, Sara Aagesen, revealed in an interview that it might take "many more days" to identify the root cause of the incident, emphasizing the "very complex" nature of the electrical system[1]. All hypotheses, including the ominous specter of a "cyberattack," remain on the table, though nothing has been confirmed[2][3].
When queried about renewable energies potentially playing a part in the blackout, Aagesen eventually admitted the possibility of an initial anomaly from photovoltaic installations in southwestern Spain[1]. However, she was quick to stress that blaming renewable energies as the culprits is "irresponsible and simplistic," asserting that they are not inherently dangerous[1].
Experts in the sector pondered over a possible imbalance between electricity production and demand, a challenge exacerbated by the dominant presence of wind and solar power in the network[1]. However, Aagesen dismissed the notion that a large quantity of renewable energy could have been the catalyst for the collapse, citing multiple days with higher solar production and lesser demand, during which the system functioned smoothly[1].
The Spanish government has long championed renewable energies for the country's energy independence, asserting that these resources will provide Spain critical energy autonomy in an increasingly vulnerable geopolitical landscape[1]. Aagesen also emphasized the importance of enhanced connectivity, specifically with France, as the key to a robust Iberian system[1].
However, the proposed installation of two new interconnections through the Pyrenees faces opposition from France, with environmental concerns being raised[1]. Aagesen underscored the urgency of these interconnections, insisting that the environmental impact could be mitigated[1].
So, what caused the disastrous blackout on April 28? As of now, the cause remains elusive, with scrutiny focusing on the European grid and conventional power sources, with no tangible link to solar energy disruption[1][2][3]. Stay tuned for further updates on this intriguing mystery.
- The Minister of Ecological Transition in Spain, Sara Aagesen, mentioned that it could take "many more days" to identify the cause of the power outage, highlighting the complex nature of the electrical system.
- Experts in the sector are considering a potential imbalance between electricity production and demand, a challenge exacerbated by the dominant presence of wind and solar power in the network, as a possible factor in the blackout.
- Aagesen dismissed the notion that a large quantity of renewable energy could have been the catalyst for the collapse, pointing out instances of higher solar production and lesser demand where the system functioned smoothly.
- The Spanish government is pushing for the installation of two new interconnections through the Pyrenees to enhance connectivity, despite opposition from France, with environmental concerns being raised.
