On April 28, 2025, Spain experienced its most extensive power outage in history, disrupting daily life for approximately 50 million people across the Iberian Peninsula. The blackout, which lasted over 12 hours in some regions, had significant economic repercussions, with CaixaBank estimating a direct impact of nearly €400 million ($454 million) on the nation’s economy.
The sudden loss of power led to a 34% drop in consumer spending on the day of the outage, as electronic payments and ATM withdrawals became impossible. Although there was a partial rebound in spending in the following days, the net decrease remained at 15% compared to typical levels.
The Confederation of Employers and Industries of Spain (CEOE) projected broader economic losses of up to €1.6 billion, citing prolonged disruptions in industrial operations, including oil refineries and manufacturing plants.
The blackout had widespread effects on critical infrastructure:
- Transportation: All trains across Spain halted, stranding approximately 35,000 passengers.
- Air Travel: Madrid’s Barajas International Airport operated at reduced capacity, with significant delays reported.
- Telecommunications: Internet traffic plummeted to 17% of normal levels, though satellite services like Starlink saw increased usage.
- Healthcare: Hospitals relied on backup generators to maintain essential services.
The exact cause of the blackout remains under investigation. Initial reports suggest a combination of failures at substations in southwestern Spain. Some experts point to the challenges of integrating renewable energy sources into the grid, while others caution against premature conclusions.
Despite the challenges, communities across Spain demonstrated resilience. In Madrid, residents gathered in public spaces, sharing resources and supporting one another. Local businesses offered free services, and emergency protocols were activated to manage the crisis.
