Open Circuit

No, solar didn’t collapse Spain's grid

42 snips
Jul 7, 2025
In this discussion, guests Laurent Segalen, founder of MegawattX, and Gerard Reid, expert in energy transitions, unravel the complexities behind a massive power outage that hit Spain and Portugal. They debunk the myth that renewable energy caused the blackout, pointing instead to systemic issues like inadequate battery storage and weak grid connections. They stress the need for better infrastructure and innovative solutions, highlighting how different regions manage their energy systems. Listen as they explore the future of energy security amid evolving geopolitical landscapes.
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INSIGHT

Solar Alone Didn’t Collapse Grid

  • The blackout began with frequency oscillations from a solar plant but escalated due to failures in conventional generators and poor grid management.
  • Lack of battery storage and weak interconnections made Spain's grid fragile despite massive solar capacity.
ADVICE

Modernize Grid Management

  • Treat solar and battery systems as critical infrastructure with required services and real-time data access.
  • Upgrade to grid-forming inverters and improve regulatory frameworks for modern grid management.
ANECDOTE

Tech Solutions for Blackouts

  • In 2017, 750,000 Nest thermostats pre-cooled homes to manage solar eclipse-related solar loss in California.
  • Texas reduced blackout risk from 16% to below 1% by adding almost 10 gigawatts of solar and 4 gigawatts of batteries.
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