On 28 April 2025, a massive blackout swept across Spain and Portugal in one of the most significant power system failures in EU history. As headlines rushed to assign blame, many pointed fingers at solar and wind. But the official investigation confirms what experts have long known: this was not a failure of renewables. It was a breakdown in how system responsibilities were shared, delivered and enforced.
A comprehensive investigation from the Spanish government, published today, confirms that the root cause was a sharp voltage spike.
This incident underscores an urgent reality: it is no longer enough to focus solely on power generation. We must address the full electricity system. As electricity demand continues to rise, and generation is increasingly provided by renewables — the lowest-cost option — we need to build out the infrastructure that connects supply and demand. That means modern grids, increased interconnections, digital control systems and planning frameworks that are designed for a renewable-based system from the start.
Spain’s limited grid-scale storage and lack of demand-side flexibility meant there was no buffer when the voltage surge hit. The blackout exposed not just technological gaps but also a lack of coordination, accountability and system oversight. Reactive power management is no longer optional. Stability must be ensured through existing technologies and reinforced by modern, enforceable grid codes that are implemented in practice, not just written in policy.
“The Iberian Peninsula blackout is not a failure of renewables — it is a wake-up call to accelerate grid modernisation. As renewable energy grows, system resilience must grow with it. This means planning holistically: for supply, infrastructure, flexibility and demand — and ensuring strong multi-stakeholder collaboration from the start. This is how we build strong, secure societies powered by renewables.”
— Rana Adib, Executive Director, REN21
“The official findings confirm that the recent blackout in Spain was not caused by high shares of renewables. Large-scale outages can and do happen around the world — power systems are complex and require careful, continuous adjustment. The key is to learn and improve each time.
Uruguay operates an electricity system powered by nearly 100% renewables for over a decade, with close to half from variable sources. If we can do it, any country can. It’s not rocket science. Renewables are now the lowest-cost option, shield us from volatile fossil fuel prices and create millions of jobs. If we plan smartly, they also deliver reliable, resilient systems.”
— Ramón Méndez Galain, President of REN21 and Former Energy Secretary of Uruguay
“It is of paramount importance to continue and even accelerate investment in robust electricity grids and flexibility options to further integrate growing shares of renewable energy sources.”
— Antonella Battaglini, CEO of the Renewables Grid Initiative
The bottom line: This was not a failure of renewable energy. Solar and wind were first to reconnect and help restore power, while plants who were supposed to provide reactive power failed to deliver on time.
Spain and Portugal remain global leaders in renewable energy deployment, and that leadership must now extend to strengthening the systems around it. The blackout is a clear reminder: accelerating renewables is not just about increasing capacity. It is about building stable, responsive and resilient infrastructure to support a renewable-based economy. The technologies are in place — what is needed now is decisive investment and coordinated, collective action.
