The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens Fragile Electric Grids: Did Renewables Cause the Blackout in Spain? with Pedro Prieto
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May 7, 2025 Pedro Prieto, Vice President of AEREN and co-author of Spain's Photovoltaic Revolution, discusses the recent massive blackout that left millions in Spain and Portugal without power. He explores the fragility of modern electric grids and the impact of renewable energy management. The conversation highlights the balance needed between energy supply and demand, the risks of frequency deviations, and the lessons developed countries can learn from this crisis to improve resilience. Prieto also touches on the social dynamics and community response during such power outages.
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Sudden Blackout Impact on Spain
- Millions in Spain experienced sudden blackout disrupting everyday life and communications before networks failed.
- People realized the fragility of modern urban living dependent solely on continuous electricity supply.
Renewables Challenge Grid Stability
- Renewable energy sources like solar and wind add intermittency and volatility to power grids.
- Grid stability requires tight frequency controls that are challenged by renewables lacking physical inertia.
Renewables May Amplify Grid Issues
- Inverters in solar PV systems adapt quickly to frequency changes, sometimes amplifying grid instability.
- This can create positive feedback loops, worsening grid imbalances instead of correcting them.
