Spain And Portugal Blackout Blamed By Critics On Solar Power

Why does Spain want a solar grid?

In just a few months, Spain has green lit more than 65 GW of solar projects that launched new hydrogen and battery storage pilots in order to increase its backing of global fusion research. It wants a grid that can generate, store, and sustain energy without import gaps or guesswork.

Does Spain rely on solar energy?

Investors and power companies said their doubts about the adequacy of the Spanish electricity system had been confirmed by the blackout. They do not question solar's essential role in the clean energy transition. But due to oversights or overconfidence, they say Spain has not adapted to its reliance on solar energy.

Will solar panels power Spain around the clock?

Solar panels alone won't power the country around the clock. What Spain is not doing is racing to build the system behind the sunshine smart grids, storage, and energy does not vanish when the sun sets, so the new plan includes: You can see the change in where Spain puts its focus.

Is solar power a good investment in Spain?

Since he took power in 2018, energy developers have built solar parks, proved that power generation had attractive returns and pulled in capital from yield-hungry investors. In 2023 and 2024, Spain added more solar power capacity than any other European country except Germany, whose economy is more than twice its size.

Is Spain scaling up solar fast?

Spain is scaling up solar fast — but the next challenge is making it last. Credit: mrganso from pixabay via Canva.com Spain is chasing something bigger; it's not only expanding solar energy, but also aiming for a future where energy is never depleted, following the unexpected blackout that affected every part of the country in April 2025.

Is Spain's solar energy boom a victim of its own success?

In some ways, Spain's solar energy boom is a victim of its own success. In spring and autumn, the sun is still strong enough to maximise solar output, but mild temperatures mean consumers have no need for things like air conditioning or heating.