On Monday at 12:33 p.m. local time, a rare and widespread blackout swept across Spain and Portugal, plunging millions into sudden darkness.
In just five seconds, electricity demand in Spain plunged by 15 gigawatts—roughly 60% of the country’s normal consumption at midday.
High-speed and commuter rail lines screeched to a halt. Airports across both countries faced immediate disruptions, with flights delayed or diverted.
Many major cities experienced full outages, shutting off streetlights, disrupting mobile networks and local businesses.
Travelers and digital nomads reported stranded trains, stalled check‑ins and offline workstations, highlighting how quickly modern life can grind to a halt.
Startups and data centers scrambled backup generators. Entrepreneurs in Spain’s tech hubs saw meetings postponed while online platforms dealt with brief interruptions.
As energy regulators and grid operators in both countries launch investigations, this power failure underscores the importance of resilient infrastructure in an increasingly electrified world. What steps should policymakers take to guard against the next big blackout?
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
