Massive power failure: Chaos in Spain and Portugal - Carinthian reports

Massive power failure: Chaos in Spain and Portugal - Carinthian reports

On April 28, 2025 at 11:33 a.m. local time there was a massive power failure that fell into chaos in Spain and Portugal. Loud 5min.at the capitals Madrid and Lisbon were particularly affected, as traffic lights were out, lanes and mobile phone networks only worked to a limited extent. Super markets partially had to close or could only accept cash, which also tightened the situation.

In Portugal, the anger and frustration of people was noticeable when they sank into chaos and standstill. A Carinthian who lives in Porto described impressively how she experienced the blackout without electricity, water and functioning cell phone network. She felt isolated and helpless, especially when she had no access to news and her roommate came home late. Despite the outbreak of panic in the supermarkets, many people in Portugal remained largely quiet.

Restoration of the power supply

By April 29, 2025, 6 a.m., the power supply in Spain was restored to 99.16 percent, while in Portugal more than 6.2 out of 6.5 million households had electricity again, such as ZDF.de reported. During the day, thousands of people could be observed in Madrid who cheered when the electricity was hired again. In countries such as parts of France, however, travelers remained stranded for a long time because numerous flights failed.

The cause of the power exclusion remains unclear; Rumors about a possible cyber attack were not excluded by Spain's Prime Minister Sánchez. According to Eduardo Prieto from Red Eléctrica, the separation of the European electricity connection in France was possibly responsible for the collapse. There was a sudden loss of 15 gigawatts within five seconds, which triggered the massive disorder.

Preparations for future incidents

In response to these incidents, Reinhard Draxler from Kelag in Austria expressed that the responsibility for security of supply was at the operator APG. In Austria it is unrealistic to guarantee a 100 % exclusion of a blackout; Nevertheless, protective mechanisms are actively worked on in the power grid, which automatically grab in the event of disorders to prevent such mass failures. The WDR emphasizes that regular exercises to prepare for such an emergency take place.

In order to prepare yourself for a potential blackout, it is advisable to store water and light sources, have crank or battery radios and ensure sufficient food supplies as well as important medications. Providing cash is also advisable because ATMs do not always work, especially in crisis situations. The German Federal Network Agency confirms that there are no large -scale blackouts to be expected in Germany, but preparations are also useful here.

People in Portugal and Spain have shown that they can hold together even in difficult times. The cheering on the streets when the power supply was restored, testifies to an unbroken feeling of community even in the middle of uncertainty and chaos.