On April 28, 2025, a massive power outage struck Spain and Portugal, affecting millions and causing widespread disruption across the Iberian Peninsula and parts of France. Reports indicate that the outage began around midday, with citizens from all regions of both countries reporting the loss of electricity shortly after 12:25 PM.
The Portuguese electricity network operator REN confirmed that the outage impacted the entire Iberian Peninsula, with effects reaching Portugal starting at 11:33 AM (10:33 GMT). According to REN, all plans for restoring power have been activated in coordination with European energy producers and operators, as they work to analyze the possible causes of this incident.
Antonio Leitao Amaro, the government spokesperson, stated that the outage appears to stem from issues in the electrical transport network, likely originating in Spain. The precise cause of the outage remains under investigation, with the Spanish National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE) exploring the possibility of a cyberattack.
In Spain, the outage led to significant disruptions. The Barajas International Airport in Madrid lost power, and major cities like Seville, Barcelona, and Malaga were also affected. Traffic lights and public transport networks, including metro systems, faced severe interruptions. In Lisbon, the traffic signal system was down, prompting authorities to urge citizens to avoid driving.
Reports indicated that at least four metro trains in Lisbon had to be evacuated due to the power failure. The situation at Lisbon airport was particularly chaotic, with thousands of passengers left in confusion as flights were disrupted. Local media reported that the power supply was briefly restored in some areas before failing again.
In response to the outage, the Spanish government activated emergency plans. The Red Eléctrica de España, the Spanish electricity network operator, is deploying all available resources to remedy the situation. They announced on social media that they are working closely with energy companies to restore power, while also noting that the causes of the outage are still being analyzed.
Train services across Spain were halted, and the General Directorate of Road Traffic advised against driving due to the non-functioning traffic lights. The outage also caused disruptions in telecommunications, with many users reporting difficulties in making calls or accessing the internet.
As the situation unfolded, the European Commission stated that it was in contact with Spanish and Portuguese authorities to determine the causes of the outage and ensure smooth information exchange among all parties involved. Meanwhile, French authorities reported that some households in the Basque Country experienced brief power outages of less than 10 minutes, but the situation was quickly restored.
In Spain, the Madrid Open tennis tournament was also affected, with matches suspended due to the power failure. Players were unable to continue as the electronic scoring systems and cameras were rendered inoperable. Organizers are working to restore power as quickly as possible, but there has been no confirmation on when matches will resume.
Despite the widespread impact of the outage, hospitals in both countries have managed to maintain operations thanks to backup generators, ensuring that essential medical equipment remains functional. A spokesperson from Madrid's Gregorio Marañón hospital confirmed that emergency protocols were activated to handle the situation effectively.
As the day progressed, citizens in both Spain and Portugal took to social media to share their experiences of the outage. Many reported being unable to pay for goods due to the failure of electronic payment systems, while others expressed frustration at the lack of information regarding the situation.
In Barcelona, the Lilla Diagonal shopping center was evacuated, and customers were instructed to leave the premises due to the power cut. Shoppers reported confusion as even food stores closed their doors, with some restaurants asking customers to pay in cash due to the inability to process card payments.
Authorities are working around the clock to restore power and investigate the reasons behind this unprecedented outage. The incident has raised concerns about the reliability of the electrical infrastructure in the region and the potential vulnerabilities that could lead to such widespread failures.
As the situation continues to develop, citizens are advised to remain cautious and stay updated through official channels. The impact of this outage will likely prompt discussions about energy security and infrastructure resilience in the coming days.
For now, millions are left in the dark, both literally and figuratively, as they await answers and a return to normalcy.
