On April 28, 2025, chaos erupted across the Iberian Peninsula as both Portugal and Spain were plunged into darkness for several hours due to a massive power failure. This unexpected blackout sent shockwaves through businesses as they scrambled to maintain production, digging out old radios and lanterns to navigate the sudden crisis. In Binéfar, a town in northeastern Spain’s Aragon province, the Spanish meat processing company Fribin found its production lines ground to a halt mid-morning. Andrés Altabás, a representative from Fribin, shared the dire consequences: “Many tonnes of meat in the processing stage had to be discarded.”
The power cut forced Fribin’s management to reevaluate their backup plans, recognizing the significant energy needs of their operations. Altabás emphasized how the blackout catalyzed much-needed investment into backup systems. Many firms across Europe, under pressure to shift from fossil fuels to electricity, were exposed to the risks of sudden power outages. This was particularly evident for businesses in Spain and Portugal, where the threat of blackouts was laid bare.
With production grinding to a halt, companies on both sides of the border are desperately searching for solutions to avoid disruptions in the future. Just a few hours or even minutes of backup power can prevent costly damages to machinery. The Institute for the Diversification and Saving of Energy recently allocated €827 million in EU funds to 133 energy storage projects aiming for a total capacity of 2,400 megawatts, with about 80% of this coming from battery storage. This new capacity is set to be nearly ten times the current total on the Spanish grid, creating a boom for battery suppliers.
Alberto Bodegas from battery storage company Sungrow explained how the demand for backup solutions has transformed. Where once clients sought basic support, now they require advanced capabilities that ensure an instantaneous switch from grid power to backup systems, especially critical in sensitive settings like hospitals and data centers. Delivery times are also crucial, as battery suppliers face tight deadlines linked to EU funding programs, pushing them to accelerate their production timelines.
Take, for instance, Vista Alegre, the oldest and largest porcelain manufacturer in Portugal, which decided to invest in energy storage systems in 2022, taking advantage of EU Recovery and Resilience Plan funds. Emília Encarnação, a representative from Vista Alegre, noted the severe losses incurred during the blackout, particularly in facilities that operate continuously. Their roller kilns, integral for transporting materials through various production phases, depend on electric motors. Thanks to a generator during the power cut, they managed to keep production rolling, minimizing losses for that day. This unfortunate experience led to an expedited installation of solar panels, providing some reassurance for future power instability.
The underlying sentiment among businesses is clear: they can’t afford to gamble on power returning in time. Waiting for the lights to come back on is no longer an option, and as the landscape of energy needs continues to evolve, the question remains: what will be the next step in securing energy independence in Spain and Portugal?
Kaynak: Orijinal Haber