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The 2025 Iberian Blackout: Why it Happened, Will There Be Another

Author

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  • Bialek, J. W.

Abstract

This paper provides a high-level analysis of the Iberian blackout and is aimed at a non-technical audience. It starts with quick tutorials on the relationship between reactive power and voltage and on power system oscillations as they are key to understanding the blackout. Then it proceeds with overviewing how the blackout evolved. The direct cause of the blackout was an unexpected interaction between oscillations and voltage stability compounded by inadequate voltage control arrangements in Spain. However the underlying cause is that Spain has concentrated in recent years on increasing the share of renewables but seems to have paid less attention to adapting power system operation and control to the changing needs. The rapidly increasing share of renewables in many power systems causes a profound change in the way power systems behave which we do not yet fully understand. Hence a significant interdisciplinary research effort of the academia and industry is required to overcome the challenges and prevent future blackouts

Suggested Citation

  • Bialek, J. W., 2026. "The 2025 Iberian Blackout: Why it Happened, Will There Be Another," Cambridge Working Papers in Economics 2670, Faculty of Economics, University of Cambridge.
    • Handle: RePEc:cam:camdae:2670
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    JEL classification:

    • L94 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities - - - Electric Utilities
    • L98 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities - - - Government Policy
    • Q40 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - General
    • Q48 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - Government Policy
    • Q42 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - Alternative Energy Sources

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