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News in brief

Spanish PM urges patience in blackout probe, dismisses renewable energy blame

Thursday 08 - 20:48 By: Dakir Madiha

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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called for patience as investigators work to determine the cause of last week's massive power outage that left millions without electricity. The April 28 blackout disrupted internet and telephone services, halted transportation, and plunged cities across Spain, Portugal, and parts of southwestern France into darkness.

Speaking in parliament on Wednesday, Sánchez emphasized the complexity of the investigation, noting that authorities are analyzing a staggering 756 million pieces of data from electricity companies and the national grid operator. "The process will take its time because we will have to examine meticulously around 756 million pieces of data," Sánchez stated, pledging to uncover the root cause of the disruption.

The Spanish premier urged against premature conclusions, saying, "Citizens want to know what happened... what we will not do is prematurely close any debate. We will not rush to conclusions."

Preliminary findings and growing debate

Although no definitive explanation has emerged, Sánchez revealed that preliminary technical reports identified three incidents in southern Spain on the day of the blackout, with the final event triggering the grid's collapse. Earlier official statements had suggested two incidents occurring five seconds apart, resulting in a sudden loss of power generation equivalent to 60% of Spain's electricity consumption at the time.

The blackout has ignited a fierce political debate in Spain, with the right-wing opposition questioning the government's energy policies. The Socialist-led coalition's gradual phase-out of nuclear energy and its emphasis on renewable energy sources have come under scrutiny. Critics argue these policies have left the country more vulnerable to large-scale blackouts.

Sánchez, however, firmly rejected these claims. "Be wary of those who tell you this is either about renewables or nuclear energy, because it isn't," he said, dismissing allegations as unfounded. He reiterated that there is "no empirical evidence" linking the crisis to either an overreliance on renewable energy or the absence of nuclear power plants.

Political tensions escalate

The opposition’s criticism has intensified in the wake of the blackout. Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the conservative Popular Party, accused Sánchez of "arrogance" and demanded accountability. "We will not allow this crisis to pass without resignations," Feijóo warned, signaling that the political fallout from the incident will likely continue.

Sánchez, for his part, dismissed the opposition’s stance, describing them as "amateur lobbyists for the big electricity companies." He maintained that his government is committed to conducting a thorough and impartial investigation to ensure no stone is left unturned.

As the authorities continue their painstaking analysis, pressure mounts on the Spanish government to not only identify the cause of the blackout but also reassure citizens and businesses of the grid’s reliability in the future.