Analysis of Key Issues and Implications of the April 28 Great Power Blackout in Spain and Portugal

doi:10.11930/j.issn.1004-9649.202508030

Abstract

Abstract:

On April 28, 2025, a nationwide power blackout occurred in Spain and Portugal. Prior to the incident, renewable energy output accounted for over 70% of the power generation, highlighting the distinct characteristics of a high-penetration renewable energy power system. Unlike previous blackouts triggered by external environmental factors or critical equipment failures, this incident stemmed from a systemic collapse of stability resulting from profound changes in source-grid structure, operational dynamics, and stability mechanisms. Through an in-depth analysis of the phenomena and causes of the Spain-Portugal blackout, this study deepens the case analysis from the perspectives of preventing accident escalation and recurrence, identifying seven critical challenges for maintaining stability in high-penetration renewable energy systems. As the renewable-energy-dominated power system progressing fast, high-penetration renewable energy output will become the norm in China's power production, implying that similar security risks will persist long-term. Drawing critical lessons from the Spain-Portugal blackout and considering current trends in the new-type power system, this paper assesses four major risks of large-scale blackouts in China's power grid and proposes targeted countermeasures.

Key words: new-type power system, stability collapse, accident analysis, power blackout

ZHANG Chen, GE Rui, JIN Xiaoling, SONG Pengcheng, SHENG Tongtian, XIONG Yuwei, DAI Xianzhong, ZHANG Xing. Analysis of Key Issues and Implications of the April 28 Great Power Blackout in Spain and Portugal[J]. Electric Power, 2025, 58(12): 119-127.

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URL: https://www.electricpower.com.cn/EN/10.11930/j.issn.1004-9649.202508030

https://www.electricpower.com.cn/EN/Y2025/V58/I12/119

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References 30

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