BLACKOUT CHAOS Spain declares national emergency as massive power blackout also strikes Portugal & panic buyers strip shelves bare

| Published April 29, 2025

A massive power outage struck Spain and Portugal, plunging the Iberian Peninsula into darkness and disrupting daily life for millions. The blackout, which also briefly affected parts of southern France, led to widespread chaos: trains halted, airports faced significant delays, hospitals suspended routine operations, and communication networks were severely disrupted. ​

Possible Causes

Authorities have attributed the outage to a rare atmospheric phenomenon known as “induced atmospheric vibration.” This event, caused by extreme temperature variations, led to oscillations in high-voltage power lines, resulting in synchronization failures across the European electrical grid. While some officials have ruled out cyberattacks, investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause.

A worker assists a customer with a torch at a supermarket during a power outage which hit large parts of Spain​

Impact

• Transportation: Public transport systems, including subways and trains, came to a standstill. Airports in Madrid and Lisbon experienced significant delays and cancellations.

• Healthcare: Hospitals canceled surgeries and relied on backup generators to maintain critical operations.​

• Communication and Commerce: Mobile networks, internet services, and ATMs were down in many areas, leading to panic buying and concerns over looting. ​

• Energy Sector: Major oil refineries, including those operated by Moeve and Repsol, suspended operations due to the power failure. ​

Recovery Efforts

By the evening of April 28, power began returning to parts of Spain and Portugal. However, full restoration is expected to take several days. Authorities have urged the public to limit travel and remain indoors as emergency services respond to the crisis.

Tennis fans are seen after the matches are suspended due to a power outageCredit: Reuters

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Implications:

1. Government Accountability and Preparedness

• This massive power blackout could be seen as a failure of the government to ensure the reliability and security of critical infrastructure.

• It may prompt calls for a more efficient approach to managing national energy resources, with an emphasis on accountability and improved preparedness for future emergencies.

2. Energy Policy and Environmental Concerns

• The event could fuel concerns about the impact of environmental policies on energy grid reliability.

• Right-leaning individuals may advocate for a reevaluation of policies that focus on green energy, arguing that the energy grid’s resilience should take precedence over environmental goals. The call for more investment in reliable energy sources like natural gas, coal, and nuclear may grow louder.

Employees stand inside a supermarket without lights in BurgosCredit: Afp

3. Public Safety and National Security

• The disruption of essential services like transportation, healthcare, and communication could raise serious questions about the vulnerability of national security infrastructure.

• This might lead to greater emphasis on strengthening cybersecurity and protecting vital systems from both internal and external threats.

4. Impact on the Economy

• The economic fallout from the blackout, including disruptions to oil refinery operations and commerce, could highlight the need for a stable and secure energy supply.

• There could be a growing push for reforms in the energy sector, aiming to protect businesses and the economy from the kind of chaos caused by unreliable energy infrastructure.

5. Public Reaction and Trust in Government

• The widespread panic and communication breakdown could erode public trust in government response capabilities.

• This might prompt a shift toward supporting decentralized control and greater local authority, allowing for quicker, more targeted responses during crises.

People sit in candlelight and use mobile phone flashlights in the dark during a nationwide power outage in MadridCredit: Reuters

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Overall Takeaway

The massive power blackout in Spain and Portugal serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in energy infrastructure and the potential consequences of over-reliance on unstable energy sources. From a conservative perspective, the event highlights the need for a more robust and diversified energy policy that prioritizes grid resilience and security.

The failure of critical systems like transportation, healthcare, and communication could increase calls for reforms, with conservatives advocating for privatization and a shift away from green energy initiatives that may compromise grid stability. Furthermore, the disruption may intensify concerns about national security, cybersecurity, and the role of government in managing critical infrastructure.

Ultimately, this event underscores the importance of energy independence, governmental accountability, and proactive measures to safeguard against future crises.

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SOURCES: ZEROHEDGE – 6 Days After Celebrating ‘100% Renewable Power’, Spain Blames “Rare Atmospheric Phenomenon” For Nation’s Largest Blackout In History

REUTERS – Power begins to return after huge outage hits Spain and Portugal

SKYNEWS – Power returning in Spain and Portugal after large parts hit by blackout – but what caused it?

THE SUN – BLACKOUT CHAOS Spain declares national emergency as massive power blackout also strikes Portugal & panic buyers strip shelves bare

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