Iberian blackout shuts sown cities

[EUROPE] A widespread power outage struck Spain and Portugal on Monday, April 28, 2025, at approximately 12:33 PM CEST, plunging millions into darkness and disrupting daily life across the Iberian Peninsula. The blackout, described as "absolutely exceptional and extraordinary," has left authorities scrambling to restore services and determine its cause.​

Widespread Disruption Across the Iberian Peninsula

The outage affected nearly all of Spain and large parts of Portugal, as well as Andorra and parts of southwestern France. Major cities like Madrid and Lisbon experienced significant disruptions, including halted subway services, grounded flights, and inoperative traffic lights. Hospitals and emergency services relied on backup generators to continue operations. The blackout also impacted telecommunications, with mobile networks experiencing severe limitations, particularly for voice calls. Retailers reported difficulties with point-of-sale systems, and ATM machines were out of service in many areas.​

Authorities Investigate Rare Atmospheric Phenomenon

Portuguese grid operator REN reported that the outage may have been triggered by "anomalous oscillations" in high-voltage lines, caused by extreme temperature variations in Spain. These oscillations could have disrupted the balance between electricity supply and demand, leading to the widespread blackout. However, both Spanish and Portuguese authorities have stated that it is premature to determine the exact cause, and investigations are ongoing. At this time, there is no indication that the incident was caused by a cyberattack or other malicious activity. ​

Restoration Efforts and Government Response

In Spain, the national grid operator Red Eléctrica de España (REE) activated emergency protocols to restore power. By late evening, approximately 50% of the affected areas had their electricity supply restored. President Pedro Sánchez convened a crisis cabinet to oversee recovery efforts and ensure the stability of the energy system. In Portugal, REN worked to bring power back online, with the aim of restoring service in Lisbon within five to six hours. However, full restoration efforts may take up to a week, depending on the extent of the damage. ​

Public Reaction and Ongoing Challenges

The blackout has sparked widespread concern among residents and businesses. In Lisbon, the metro system was shut down, trams were halted, and tourists faced difficulties accessing accommodations. Hospitality businesses expressed fears of significant economic losses due to the prolonged outage. Emergency services, including ambulances and police, were deployed to manage the situation and assist those affected. ​

Looking Ahead

As investigations continue, authorities are focusing on understanding the underlying causes of the blackout and implementing measures to prevent future occurrences. The event has highlighted the vulnerabilities of interconnected energy systems and the need for robust infrastructure to withstand rare atmospheric phenomena. Residents and businesses are advised to remain prepared for potential disruptions as recovery efforts proceed.