On April 28, 2025, a massive power outage plunged Spain and Portugal into darkness, affecting major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Lisbon. The blackout disrupted transportation, hospitals, and telecommunications, with Spain's grid operator, Red Eléctrica, reporting a sudden loss of 15 gigawatts—about 60% of the nation's demand. While initial suspicions included cyberattacks, authorities have ruled this out, attributing the cause to a massive disconnection in southwestern Spain. By Monday night, 90% of Spain's power was restored, with assistance from France and Morocco. The incident has sparked discussions on the resilience of the Iberian Peninsula's energy infrastructure and the need for improved interconnections with the broader European grid.
