Latest news with #Redeia
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Spain suffered multiple power incidents in the build up to full blackout
By David Latona, Emma Pinedo, Pietro Lombardi MADRID (Reuters) -Spain suffered several power glitches and industry officials sounded repeated warnings about the instability of its power grid in the build up to its catastrophic blackout on Monday. The government has ordered several investigations into the blackout. Industry experts say that whatever the cause, the mass outage and earlier smaller incidents indicate the Spanish power grid faces challenges amid the boom of renewables. A surplus of energy supply can disrupt power grids in the same way as a deficit, and grid operators must maintain balance. In the week before the blackout, Spain saw several power surges and cuts. A power cut disrupted railway signals and stranded at least 10 high-speed trains near Madrid on April 22. Transport Minister Oscar Puente said excessive voltage in the power network had triggered disconnections to protect substations. On the same day, Repsol's Cartagena refinery saw its operations disrupted by power supply problems. The grid suffered from significant instability in the days before the blackout, said Antonio Turiel, a senior researcher with the Spanish National Research Council. Spain's grid operator REE did not reply to a request for comment. Spain's energy ministry declined to comment. Spain has ordered inquiries involving government, security agencies and technical experts. A high court judge has launched a probe into whether a cyber attack was to blame. The Spanish power grid had been on a knife edge for several days due to power system imbalances, said Carlos Cagigal, an energy expert who advises private firms on renewable and industrial projects. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and power grid operator REE's chief Beatriz Corredor have both said record levels of renewable energy were not to blame for Monday's blackout. But REE and Europe's power grid lobby ENTSO-E had both previously warned that the rapid rise of power generation from renewables could destabilise the grid. Small renewable generators were putting extra pressure on the infrastructure, REE said in a 2024 report, and REE's parent company Redeia said in February the grid lacked information from smaller plants to be able to operate in real time. INCREASING RISK OF POWER CUTS The risk of power cuts is rising, Redeia warned because the closure of coal, gas-fired and nuclear plants reduces the grid's balancing capacities. "This could increase the risk of operational incidents that could affect supply and the company's reputation," the company said. Solar farms generate direct current (DC) power which doesn't have a frequency like alternating current (AC) power generated by conventional plants. DC power needs to be converted to AC in inverters to be transmitted via grids. If solar generation drops, the grid requires backstop AC power to prevent frequency dropping below dangerous levels after which most power contributors disconnect from the grid. "Shutting down the nuclear plants may put electricity supply at risk," REE's former chair Jordi Sevilla told Spanish news website Voxpopuli in January. Spain plans to shut down all seven nuclear reactors by 2035. The planned closure of two nuclear reactors at southwestern Spain's Almaraz plant, starting in 2027, will increase the risks of blackouts, European power lobby ENTSO-E said in April. REE responded to ENTSO-E by saying there was no risk of a blackout and it could guarantee stable energy supply. Less than a week later, Almaraz temporarily shut down the two units citing abundant wind energy supply as making operations uneconomic. One unit was still offline on Monday. The blackout across Spain and Portugal knocked out communications and transport systems, shut down industry and offices and brought commerce to a virtual standstill. The blackout could have shaved 1.6 billion euros ($1.82 billion), or 0.1%, off GDP, Spain's business lobby estimated.
The Independent
02-05-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Warning as Spain suffered multiple incidents in build-up to full blackout
Spain's catastrophic blackout on Monday was preceded by several power glitches and repeated industry warnings about the instability of the nation's power grid, prompting government investigations into the incident. Experts suggest these incidents, regardless of the ultimate cause of the blackout, highlight the challenges facing Spain's power system amidst the rapid growth of renewable energy sources. While often touted for their environmental benefits, the influx of renewable energy can create an energy surplus, disrupting the delicate balance of the power grid in much the same way as an energy deficit. In the week leading up to the major outage, Spain experienced several power surges and cuts, foreshadowing the larger crisis to come. The government has launched multiple investigations to determine the precise cause of the blackout and address the underlying vulnerabilities in the power grid. A power cut disrupted railway signals and stranded at least 10 high-speed trains near Madrid on April 22. Transport Minister Oscar Puente said excessive voltage in the power network had triggered disconnections to protect substations. On the same day, Repsol's Cartagena refinery saw its operations disrupted by power supply problems. The grid suffered from significant instability in the days before the blackout, said Antonio Turiel, a senior researcher with the Spanish National Research Council. Spain's grid operator REE did not reply to a request for comment. Spain's energy ministry declined to comment. Spain has ordered inquiries involving government, security agencies and technical experts. A high court judge has launched a probe into whether a cyber attack was to blame. The Spanish power grid had been on a knife edge for several days due to power system imbalances, said Carlos Cagigal, an energy expert who advises private firms on renewable and industrial projects. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and power grid operator REE's chief Beatriz Corredor have both said record levels of renewable energy were not to blame for Monday's blackout. But REE and Europe's power grid lobby ENTSO-E had both previously warned that the rapid rise of power generation from renewables could destabilise the grid. Small renewable generators were putting extra pressure on the infrastructure, REE said in a 2024 report, and REE's parent company Redeia said in February the grid lacked information from smaller plants to be able to operate in real time. The risk of power cuts is rising, Redeia warned because the closure of coal, gas-fired and nuclear plants reduces the grid's balancing capacities. "This could increase the risk of operational incidents that could affect supply and the company's reputation," the company said. Solar farms generate direct current (DC) power which doesn't have a frequency like alternating current (AC) power generated by conventional plants. DC power needs to be converted to AC in inverters to be transmitted via grids. If solar generation drops, the grid requires backstop AC power to prevent frequency dropping below dangerous levels after which most power contributors disconnect from the grid. "Shutting down the nuclear plants may put electricity supply at risk," REE's former chair Jordi Sevilla told Spanish news website Voxpopuli in January. Spain plans to shut down all seven nuclear reactors by 2035. The planned closure of two nuclear reactors at southwestern Spain's Almaraz plant, starting in 2027, will increase the risks of blackouts, European power lobby ENTSO-E said in April. REE responded to ENTSO-E by saying there was no risk of a blackout and it could guarantee stable energy supply. Less than a week later, Almaraz temporarily shut down the two units citing abundant wind energy supply as making operations uneconomic. One unit was still offline on Monday. The blackout across Spain and Portugal knocked out communications and transport systems, shut down industry and offices and brought commerce to a virtual standstill. The blackout could have shaved 1.6 billion euros ($1.82 billion), or 0.1%, off GDP, Spain's business lobby estimated.
Straits Times
02-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Spain suffered multiple power incidents in the build up to full blackout
FILE PHOTO: Tourists check into a hotel without electricity during a power outage which hit large parts of Spain, in Ronda, Spain April 28, 2025. REUTERS/Jon Nazca/File Photo FILE PHOTO: Power lines connecting pylons of high-tension electricity are seen during sunset at an electricity substation on the outskirts of Ronda, during a blackout in the city, Spain April 28, 2025. REUTERS/Jon Nazca/File Photo Spain suffered multiple power incidents in the build up to full blackout MADRID - Spain suffered several power glitches and industry officials sounded repeated warnings about the instability of its power grid in the build up to its catastrophic blackout on Monday. The government has ordered several investigations into the blackout. Industry experts say that whatever the cause, the mass outage and earlier smaller incidents indicate the Spanish power grid faces challenges amid the boom of renewables. A surplus of energy supply can disrupt power grids in the same way as a deficit, and grid operators must maintain balance. In the week before the blackout, Spain saw several power surges and cuts. A power cut disrupted railway signals and stranded at least 10 high-speed trains near Madrid on April 22. Transport Minister Oscar Puente said excessive voltage in the power network had triggered disconnections to protect substations. On the same day, Repsol's Cartagena refinery saw its operations disrupted by power supply problems. The grid suffered from significant instability in the days before the blackout, said Antonio Turiel, a senior researcher with the Spanish National Research Council. Spain's grid operator REE did not reply to a request for comment. Spain's energy ministry declined to comment. Spain has ordered inquiries involving government, security agencies and technical experts. A high court judge has launched a probe into whether a cyber attack was to blame. The Spanish power grid had been on a knife edge for several days due to power system imbalances, said Carlos Cagigal, an energy expert who advises private firms on renewable and industrial projects. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and power grid operator REE's chief Beatriz Corredor have both said record levels of renewable energy were not to blame for Monday's blackout. But REE and Europe's power grid lobby ENTSO-E had both previously warned that the rapid rise of power generation from renewables could destabilise the grid. Small renewable generators were putting extra pressure on the infrastructure, REE said in a 2024 report, and REE's parent company Redeia said in February the grid lacked information from smaller plants to be able to operate in real time. INCREASING RISK OF POWER CUTS The risk of power cuts is rising, Redeia warned because the closure of coal, gas-fired and nuclear plants reduces the grid's balancing capacities. "This could increase the risk of operational incidents that could affect supply and the company's reputation," the company said. Solar farms generate direct current (DC) power which doesn't have a frequency like alternating current (AC) power generated by conventional plants. DC power needs to be converted to AC in inverters to be transmitted via grids. If solar generation drops, the grid requires backstop AC power to prevent frequency dropping below dangerous levels after which most power contributors disconnect from the grid. "Shutting down the nuclear plants may put electricity supply at risk," REE's former chair Jordi Sevilla told Spanish news website Voxpopuli in January. Spain plans to shut down all seven nuclear reactors by 2035. The planned closure of two nuclear reactors at southwestern Spain's Almaraz plant, starting in 2027, will increase the risks of blackouts, European power lobby ENTSO-E said in April. REE responded to ENTSO-E by saying there was no risk of a blackout and it could guarantee stable energy supply. Less than a week later, Almaraz temporarily shut down the two units citing abundant wind energy supply as making operations uneconomic. One unit was still offline on Monday. The blackout across Spain and Portugal knocked out communications and transport systems, shut down industry and offices and brought commerce to a virtual standstill. The blackout could have shaved 1.6 billion euros ($1.82 billion), or 0.1%, off GDP, Spain's business lobby estimated. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Reuters
02-05-2025
- Business
- Reuters
How warning signs hinted at Spain's unprecedented power outage
Summary Companies Power industry had sounded warnings Renewable energy boom makes grids vulnerable Nuclear plant closures add to challenges MADRID, May 2 (Reuters) - Spain suffered several power glitches and industry officials sounded repeated warnings about the instability of its power grid in the build up to its catastrophic blackout on Monday. The government has ordered several investigations into the blackout. Industry experts say that whatever the cause, the mass outage and earlier smaller incidents indicate the Spanish power grid faces challenges amid the boom of renewables. The Reuters Power Up newsletter provides everything you need to know about the global energy industry. Sign up here. A surplus of energy supply can disrupt power grids in the same way as a deficit, and grid operators must maintain balance. In the week before the blackout, Spain saw several power surges and cuts. A power cut disrupted railway signals and stranded at least 10 high-speed trains near Madrid on April 22. Transport Minister Oscar Puente said excessive voltage in the power network had triggered disconnections to protect substations. On the same day, Repsol's ( opens new tab Cartagena refinery saw its operations disrupted by power supply problems. The grid suffered from significant instability in the days before the blackout, said Antonio Turiel, a senior researcher with the Spanish National Research Council. Spain's grid operator REE did not reply to a request for comment. Spain's energy ministry declined to comment. Spain has ordered inquiries involving government, security agencies and technical experts. A high court judge has launched a probe into whether a cyber attack was to blame. The Spanish power grid had been on a knife edge for several days due to power system imbalances, said Carlos Cagigal, an energy expert who advises private firms on renewable and industrial projects. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and power grid operator REE's chief Beatriz Corredor have both said record levels of renewable energy were not to blame for Monday's blackout. But REE and Europe's power grid lobby ENTSO-E had both previously warned that the rapid rise of power generation from renewables could destabilise the grid. Small renewable generators were putting extra pressure on the infrastructure, REE said in a 2024 report, and REE's parent company Redeia ( opens new tab said in February the grid lacked information from smaller plants to be able to operate in real time. INCREASING RISK OF POWER CUTS The risk of power cuts is rising, Redeia warned because the closure of coal, gas-fired and nuclear plants reduces the grid's balancing capacities. "This could increase the risk of operational incidents that could affect supply and the company's reputation," the company said. Solar farms generate direct current (DC) power which doesn't have a frequency like alternating current (AC) power generated by conventional plants. DC power needs to be converted to AC in inverters to be transmitted via grids. If solar generation drops, the grid requires backstop AC power to prevent frequency dropping below dangerous levels after which most power contributors disconnect from the grid. "Shutting down the nuclear plants may put electricity supply at risk," REE's former chair Jordi Sevilla told Spanish news website Voxpopuli in January. Spain plans to shut down all seven nuclear reactors by 2035. The planned closure of two nuclear reactors at southwestern Spain's Almaraz plant, starting in 2027, will increase the risks of blackouts, European power lobby ENTSO-E said in April. REE responded to ENTSO-E by saying there was no risk of a blackout and it could guarantee stable energy supply. Less than a week later, Almaraz temporarily shut down the two units citing abundant wind energy supply as making operations uneconomic. One unit was still offline on Monday. The blackout across Spain and Portugal knocked out communications and transport systems, shut down industry and offices and brought commerce to a virtual standstill. The blackout could have shaved 1.6 billion euros ($1.82 billion), or 0.1%, off GDP, Spain's business lobby estimated.
Sky News AU
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Sky News AU
Nuclear expert Adrian Paterson fears Australia in ‘deep danger' after power outages in Spain and Portugal
Nuclear expert Adrian Paterson has raised concerns "an unstable wind plus solar grid" could lead to major blackouts, such as those seen in Spain and Portugal, occurring in Australia The European nations are still working to understand what prompted the almost complete loss of power on Monday, with millions counting the cost of the chaotic disruption. Amid speculation over what caused the blackout, Redeia, which owns Spanish grid operator Red Eléctrica de España, warned in February in its annual report that it faced a risk of "disconnections due to the high penetration of renewables without the technical capacities necessary for an adequate response in the face of disturbances". Speaking to Sky News' Andrew Bolt, Mr Paterson argued Australia should be wary about the Albanese government's renewables push in light of the blackouts. 'We are on a road to failure. There's no doubt in my mind. We saw that in Spain just in the last 24 hours, what happens when an unstable wind plus solar grid runs into a problem of having too much,' the former CEO of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation said. 'The whole thing falls over catastrophically because there is no way that you can take dilute sources of power, individual wind turbines, individual panels, and add them up to the grid that we have today that makes our economy work.' Mr Paterson explained the major problem facing renewables was the lack of stable generation, with output fluctuating in line with prevailing conditions. He added the issue was similar to one commonly faced by sailors. 'If you've ever sailed a sailing boat on Sydney Harbour or a little dinghy in a dam, you will know that when the wind is not blowing, you cannot make that boat move forward and when the winds are not blowing and it is not turning the blades of those turbines, no electricity is being produced,' Mr Paterson said. 'So, if you have a four-day east coast low where there's no wind, where there is low cloud and the sunlight is not getting through to the panels, how are we going to get electricity?' Under the Albanese government, Australia has accelerated the rollout of renewable energy sources as part of Labor's ambitious goal of reducing emissions to 43 per cent of 2005 levels by 2030. Over the last decade, the share of electricity generated by renewable energy in Australia has increased significantly, rising from around 10.5 per cent in 2010 to 29 per cent in 2021. Mr Paterson said he feared Australia was entering 'dangerous' territory in terms of the changes occurring in the country's power grid. 'It is so dangerous what is happening to our grid, that it is worth having the debate in public between experts so that the experts can solve this problem, because every expert who is running the grid that we are trying to run in the way that we're trying to run it knows that it cannot be done,' he said. 'We saw it with Spain, and we will see it, in fact, we were already seeing it in Australia. 'The prices are going up in unpredictable ways. If the price was meant to be coming down, why is it going up? If it was meant be minus 275, why is plus 2750?' The Albanese government had previously promised it would reduce household power bills by $275 by 2025. According to the Australian Energy Market Operator the shift towards renewables is growing in Australia through the continual closure of coal plants. 'Coal retirements are occurring faster than announced dates, and may occur even faster than these forecasts,' the agency said in a recent roadmap for the national grid. 'Ownership has become less attractive, with higher operating costs, reduced fuel security, high maintenance costs and greater competition from renewable energy in the wholesale market.' Mr Paterson claimed the path toward net zero would put Australia in "deep danger" as he issued a plea for the government to speak with nuclear experts 'It is deeply, deeply dangerous to have these people looking after our grid and it's going to get worse before it gets better because there's no sign that the signals are getting through to the senior bureaucrats, or to the politicians or to people who advise the people in small rooms,' he said. 'I'm really, really worried. Nobody's picked up the phone to talk to me, I'm quite happy to have small room discussions. 'I know this world. Nobody is picking up the phone. We're in deep danger.'
