Spain plunged into darkness today as a massive power outage hit the country. Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors and avoid driving.
The origin of the maxi blackout in Spain remains unknown. According to the national grid operator, the cause is still “undetermined,” but a cyberattack is suspected. Red Eléctrica, Spain’s grid operator, reported that the widespread blackout affecting the entire Iberian Peninsula is “due to an oscillation in the power flow of unknown origin,” according to Spanish public broadcaster TVE. The operator described the event as “exceptional,” noting that it disconnected Spain from the rest of Europe’s electric grid. In response, Spanish authorities advised citizens to stay home during the outage and avoid traveling by car. The blackout occurred around 12:30 p.m., disrupting transportation, telecommunications, and critical infrastructure.
Spain’s nuclear plants – five facilities with seven reactors currently in operation – ceased electricity production as a safety measure, according to El País. The newspaper reported that both power generation and transmission to the grid were suspended.
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Blackout impact spreads beyond Spain
The effects of the blackout extended beyond Spain’s borders, impacting Portugal and parts of France. Several towns in southern France, especially in Occitania and the Perpignan area (often referred to as French Catalonia), reported severe disruptions. Residents in Andorra also experienced power outages. In Lisbon and Porto, traffic lights went dark, increasing the risk of accidents on already congested roads.
Cyberattack?
Portugal’s Minister for Territorial Cohesion, Castro Almeida, suggested the blackout affecting the entire Iberian Peninsula could result from a cyberattack, adding that France and Germany were also experiencing related disruptions. “I know it covers several countries in Europe – Portugal, Spain, France, Germany, and, I believe, even Morocco,” he stated, emphasizing that such a widespread event could be “compatible with a cyberattack.” However, he cautioned that this information remains unconfirmed.
Red Eléctrica estimates it will take between six and ten hours to restore full service in Spain, Portugal, and southern France.
Or sabotage?
“At the moment, there is no evidence to confirm sabotage or a cyberattack,” said European Commission Vice President Teresa Ribera, speaking to reporters at the European Parliament in Brussels. She added that the European executive is working “with the utmost caution.”
“European grid operators are working to determine the cause and to support the restoration of the Iberian Peninsula’s system,” she continued, urging affected populations to “remain patient” and “follow civil protection authorities’ instructions.”
Airport disruptions
Madrid’s Adolfo Suárez-Barajas Airport reported significant disruptions and transportation issues accessing the airport following the massive blackout. “Emergency generators are active,” the airport stated on its website. Online flight boards were dominated by “delayed” notices, with delays averaging around three hours.
No issues reported in Italy
“In connection with the blackout currently affecting Spain and parts of Portugal and France, no operational issues have been detected on Italy’s national transmission grid,” announced Terna.
European Commission: “In contact with Spain and Portugal”
“The Commission is in contact with national authorities in Spain and Portugal, as well as with the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E), to understand the cause and impact of the situation,” said the European Commission in an official statement about the maxi blackout affecting the Iberian Peninsula.
The Commission added that, under current EU regulations (Emergency and Restoration Network Code), protocols are in place to restore grid functionality and that it will continue monitoring developments and facilitating information exchange among all stakeholders.
Portugal: metro and flights disrupted after blackout
Portugal’s Civil Protection reported that redundancy systems are functioning properly, allowing command, control, and emergency services to operate without limitations. Hospitals are also managing to function thanks to backup generators, although some, like São João Hospital in Porto, have suspended non-essential activities. The national emergency medical service has advised citizens to call 112 only in true emergencies.
Transportation, however, is facing greater turmoil. Access to Lisbon Airport’s terminal has been restricted to limit entry to ticketed passengers, according to an official source from airport operator ANA. However, departures remain suspended. Lisbon’s metro stations were also closed after many passengers were trapped inside train cars. A company spokesperson later confirmed that passengers were safely evacuated.