On April 28, 2025, a massive and unprecedented power outage swept across Spain and Portugal, leaving millions without electricity for hours. The blackout disrupted transportation, communications, and essential services, and has been linked to at least seven deaths in Spain.
Fatalities Attributed to the Blackout
Authorities have confirmed that seven people died in Spain due to circumstances related to the power outage:
- In Taboadela, Galicia, a couple and their adult son died from carbon monoxide poisoning after using a generator indoors to power a medical ventilator.
- In Alzira, Valencia, a 46-year-old woman who relied on an oxygen machine died when the power cut rendered the device inoperable.
- In Madrid’s Carabanchel district, a woman died in a fire caused by a candle used during the blackout. The fire also injured 13 others.
Extent and Impact of the Outage
The blackout began at 12:33 p.m. local time and affected mainland Spain, Portugal, Andorra, and parts of southwestern France. In Spain, approximately 60% of the country’s electricity supply was lost within seconds, disrupting critical infrastructure including hospitals, transportation networks, and communication systems.
Emergency services were overwhelmed, with tens of thousands of calls reported in regions like Catalonia and the Valencian Community.
Investigations and Possible Causes
The exact cause of the blackout remains under investigation. Spain’s grid operator, Red Eléctrica de España (REE), has ruled out cyberattacks and extreme weather as causes. Preliminary analyses suggest that a sudden drop in grid frequency led to a cascade of shutdowns across power stations.
Some experts have pointed to the challenges of integrating renewable energy sources, which now account for a significant portion of Spain’s electricity generation. The intermittent nature of renewables and the lack of sufficient backup from traditional power sources may have contributed to the grid’s vulnerability.
Government Response and Future Measures
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called on private energy firms to assist in identifying the cause of the blackout and emphasized the need for changes to guarantee the supply and future competitiveness of electricity.
The European Union has also launched an inquiry into the incident, highlighting the importance of maintaining grid stability amid increasing reliance on renewable energy sources.
As investigations continue, the tragedy underscores the critical need for robust infrastructure and emergency preparedness to prevent such catastrophic disruptions in the future.
