A massive power outage that struck Spain and parts of Portugal and France on April 28 could cost the Spanish economy as much as €1 billion, according to estimates by economic analysts cited by Spanish newspaper The Objective.
The large-scale blackout, which disrupted electricity and communications across major cities, severely impacted critical infrastructure and halted economic activity across multiple sectors. Experts told The Objective that the outage's effect on Spain’s gross domestic product (GDP) would be substantial. Spain’s daily GDP is estimated at over €4 billion, with the industrial sector accounting for roughly 14% (€575 million) and the service sector for about 12% (€500 million). The overall damage from the power failure could reach €1 billion, the analysts said.
The outage affected airports, train systems, traffic lights, and numerous businesses, forcing many to suspend operations. Cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, La Coruña, and Seville were among those hit hardest. Particularly severe disruptions were reported at Madrid’s main airport, while transportation in some areas was paralysed due to malfunctioning traffic lights.
Spain’s national electricity grid operator, Red Eléctrica, reported on April 29 that nearly all power had been restored. By 6 a.m. local time, 99% of power demand in Peninsular Spain was being met, and all substations were operational. The blackout had begun on Monday afternoon and lasted nearly 18 hours in some areas.
Peninsular Spain, which includes the majority of Spanish territory on the Iberian Peninsula, was not the only affected area. The blackout also extended into neighbouring Portugal. Portuguese energy company REN said it had restored 85 out of 89 substations and switching stations by late April 28. However, four substations remained offline, leaving areas such as the coastal city of Portimão and Almada Oeste, just south of Lisbon, without power.
Portugal's recovery has been slower due to its reliance on domestic energy production, unlike Spain, which is interconnected with France and Morocco’s power systems. REN emphasised that while progress was being made, full restoration was still underway.
The cause of the blackout remains unclear. Authorities have ruled out foul play or cyberattacks, and investigations are ongoing.
By Tamilla Hasanova
Source: caliber.az
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