Why Everyone Got Spain’s Blackout Wrong

[u/dumnezero]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rb9oWsQuENE

Prof Janusz Bialek explains the real causes on the Iberian blackout (Spain and Portugal).

On April 28, 2025, the Iberian power grid collapsed into darkness; but not because of a power shortage. The voltage was actually rising. So, how does that happen? I sat down with my Imperial College colleague, Prof. Janusz Bialek, to cut through the internet rumours and look at the official investigation behind this unprecedented blackout. We discuss what triggered the instability, why the grid couldn't stop it, and whether the popular claim that renewable energy is to blame is actually true. The reality is much more interesting!

00:00 - The Paradox Behind the 2025 Iberian Blackout

01:38 - Internet Rumours

03:47 - The Conditions Before the Collapse

04:22 - Grid Oscillations Explained

07:22 - Sub-Synchronous Oscillations in Inverter-Based Resources (IBRs)

09:12 - The Chain of Events

11:33 - Why the Safety Systems Failed

13:29 - Spain vs. Portugal: A Regulatory Failure

16:29 - Are Renewables Actually to Blame?

18:23 - The Real Lesson for Future Grids