Widespread Power Outage Disrupts Spain and Portugal
Madrid, Monday, 28 April 2025.
A massive power outage on April 28, 2025, affected millions across Spain and Portugal, impacting transportation and communication systems. Authorities are investigating potential links to European grid issues.
Extent of the Power Outage
The power outage that struck Spain and Portugal on April 28, 2025, left millions without electricity, severely affecting everyday life and key infrastructure. In Spain, areas excluding the Canary and Balearic Islands experienced widespread disruptions. The blackout began shortly after noon, halting public transport systems, suspending services like the Madrid Metro, and grounding operations at major airports including Madrid-Barajas [1][2]. Telecommunications were also disrupted, leaving residents without mobile network access [2].
Investigation and Possible Causes
Authorities in both countries are actively investigating the root causes of this extensive outage. While no official determination has been made, speculation points towards issues with the European electric grid. In Spain, the National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE) has been called to assess any potential cyberattack links, although no conclusions have been reached so far [1]. One of the potential causes includes a reported fire on the Alaric mountain in France, which damaged a high-voltage line and may have contributed to the outage [2].
Government and Infrastructure Response
Both the Spanish and Portuguese governments have mobilized emergency protocols to address the crisis. Spain’s Third Vice President, Sara Aagesen, is currently at the Red Eléctrica Control Center to monitor and facilitate efforts to restore power [1]. Both countries have enlisted national electric companies, such as Redeia, Endesa, and Iberdrola, to rapidly implement recovery strategies. Meanwhile, citizens have been advised to limit non-emergency communications to prevent overloading critical systems [2].
Broader Implications and Monitoring
Beyond immediate disruptions, the power outage has raised concerns over the robustness of the European electric grid, especially given the involvement of parts of France and even Andorra in experiencing similar power loss. This event underscores the interconnectedness of national grids and highlights the need for strengthened infrastructure resilience. As authorities continue their investigation, the National Securities Market Commission (CNMV) notes that financial markets remain operational despite ongoing instability [1][2].