Europe's Worst Blackout in 20 Years: Millions Without Power
Europe faced a significant power crisis on April 28, 2025, when a widespread blackout struck Spain, Portugal, and parts of France. The outage, which began at 12:32:57 PM near Granada, was the most severe in over two decades. EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen has stressed the need for a safer, more reliable grid.
The blackout, which left millions without power, was triggered by unusual voltage fluctuations. These fluctuations caused a cascading failure of power generation units, starting near Granada and spreading across the Iberian Peninsula. Initial investigations suggest that the extraordinary voltage changes were the catalyst for the event. ENTSO-E is leading the probe, with a final report expected in early 2026.
Power plants failed in stages during the outage, highlighting the interconnected nature of Europe's energy infrastructure. While the exact cause remains unclear, the incident has underscored the importance of a resilient energy system, as emphasized by Commissioner Jorgensen.
The power outage on April 28, 2025, was a stark reminder of the need for a safe, reliable, and resilient European energy system. As investigations continue, stakeholders await the ENTSO-E report to understand the root cause and implement preventive measures. The incident has sparked discussions about the continent's energy security and the need for robust infrastructure.
