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# Why Everyone Got Spain’s Blackout Wrong

*Canal: Prof Gio | Giordano Scarciotti · duración 20:39 · publicado 2026-07-24T06:00:39-07:00*

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!

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⏱️ Chapters:
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


📚 References Discussed:
- Prof Bialek non-technical analysis: https://lnkd.in/de5RjzPd
- ENTSO-e final technical report: https://www.entsoe.eu/publications/blackout/28-april-2025-iberian-blackout/#Publications_&_Documents

🏷️ Tags:
#RenewableEnergy #spain #portugal #blackout  #EnergyTransition #ProfGio #Engineering #CleanEnergy #PowerGrid #NetZero #ClimatePolicy