On April 28, a significant blackout affected about 55 million people in Spain, Portugal, and parts of France, demonstrating the vulnerability of modern electric grids.
• Passengers on stalled trains faced communication issues, resulting in chaos as they searched for transportation and cash, with systems like hospitals and traffic lights failing.
• The blackout was one of the worst in Europe, disrupting essential services and prompting emergency responses.
• It was reported that the blackout was linked to the Iberian Peninsula's reliance on renewable energy sources, with 78% of electricity generation coming from renewables just before the failure.
• Raúl Bajo Buenestado, an energy scholar, noted the high percentage of solar energy (almost 60%) and the low contribution from conventional power sources during the crisis.
• Two significant generation losses occurred in southwestern Spain, likely due to large solar installations, highlighting the risks of blackouts in systems heavily reliant on renewables.
• Buenestado emphasized that renewable sources depend on a stable grid and cannot ensure grid stability during disturbances.
• The U. S. and Spain's approaches to energy transitioned towards renewables, with Spain aiming for 74% renewable output by 2030, despite the effectiveness of natural gas as a reliable energy source.
• Despite the blackout, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez reaffirmed the commitment to transition to renewable energy, ignoring the lessons from the event.
The April 28 blackout raises questions about the reliability of energy policies favoring renewables over traditional energy sources. While natural gas played a critical role in restoring power, the commitment to renewables remains strong among European leaders, posing future risks to energy stability.
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