Spain blames blackout on miscalculation by power grid operator

REE misjudgment caused April blackout, says Spain's energy chief

Anabelle Colaco
20 Jun 2025, 15:41 GMT+10

Spain blames blackout on miscalculation by power grid operator

A routine oversight by Spain's power grid operator, REE, has been identified as the trigger behind the large-scale blackout that swept across the Iberian peninsula in late April, according to findings from a government-led investigation
The report found that REE underestimated the amount of electricity needed to ensure voltage stability during peak hours on April 28 — a miscalculation that set off a chain reaction, plunging cities into gridlock and stranding thousands in elevators and trains
She said REE failed to keep enough thermal power plants online during critical hours

MADRID, Spain: A routine oversight by Spain's power grid operator, REE, has been identified as the trigger behind the large-scale blackout that swept across the Iberian peninsula in late April, according to findings from a government-led investigation released this week.

The report found that REE underestimated the amount of electricity needed to ensure voltage stability during peak hours on April 28 — a miscalculation that set off a chain reaction, plunging cities into gridlock and stranding thousands in elevators and trains.

"The system did not have sufficient dynamic voltage control capacity," Spain's Energy Minister Sara Aagesen told reporters in Madrid.

She said REE failed to keep enough thermal power plants online during critical hours. "They only set it for the early hours of the day, not the central hours."

The report, published in full on June 17, also found that some power plants legally required to help stabilize the grid failed to absorb the reactive power needed to manage the surge.

"Many of them were economically remunerated to do so," Aagesen said. "They did not absorb all the reactive power that was expected in a context of high voltages."

Maintaining grid stability requires the system frequency — usually 50 Hertz (Hz) across Europe — to remain within narrow bounds. Deviations can damage infrastructure and equipment.

The minister confirmed there was no evidence of a cyberattack.

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Australian Herald.

More Information

null in null

International

Section

Volcanic ash grounds flights to Indonesia, disrupts travel to Bali

Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi erupts, forcing village evacuations

LEMBATA, Indonesia: Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki erupted dramatically on June 18, generating substantial ash and smoke plumes....

REE misjudgment caused April blackout, says Spain's energy chief

MADRID, Spain: A routine oversight by Spain's power grid operator, REE, has been identified as the trigger behind the large-scale blackout...

Trump gives himself a fortnight to decide on joining Netanyahu's war

Trump delays decision to go to war against Iran for two weeks

WASHINGTON, DC - In a bid to defuse speculation, U.S. President Donald Trump says he will make his decision on whether to have the...

U.S. abandons inter-agency effort to pressure Moscow on Ukraine

Trump admin quietly shutters Russia pressure group, sources say

WASHINGTON, D.C.: A quiet shift inside the Trump administration has stalled a key diplomatic initiative aimed at pushing Russia toward...

Investigators examining Black Boxes recovered from Air India Boeing

India probes Dreamliner crash with recovered black box data

NEW DELHI, India: Indian investigators are examining the black boxes from a Boeing 787 Dreamliner to determine the cause of a catastrophic...

New banquet rules in China after deaths, part of Xi’s crackdown

China limits civil servant dining groups to curb alcohol abuse

BEIJING, China: Chinese civil servants are now facing stricter rules on dining together, with some local authorities limiting group...

Sydney

Section

REE misjudgment caused April blackout, says Spain's energy chief

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

International

Volcanic ash grounds flights to Indonesia, disrupts travel to Bali

REE misjudgment caused April blackout, says Spain's energy chief

Trump gives himself a fortnight to decide on joining Netanyahu's war

U.S. abandons inter-agency effort to pressure Moscow on Ukraine

Investigators examining Black Boxes recovered from Air India Boeing

New banquet rules in China after deaths, part of Xi’s crackdown

Sydney

Former Test captain Tim Paine named Australia A coach for three series

Labuschagne axed, Smith unavailable for first clash as Australia announce squad for Test series against West Indies

Air India to reduce flights on international routes, suspend operations to three cities till July 15

Australia wants more foreign investment. That's why a $29 billion bid for Santos puts the Treasurer in a tricky position

"Bumrah is going to be a threat...": England skipper Ben Stokes ahead of Leeds Test against India

6 things Australia must do if it's serious about tackling school bullying

Movie Review

The Trial (4K UHD) [Blu-Ray]