Portugal Rules Out Cyberattack in Massive Iberian Power Outage Affecting Spain

A massive power outage struck Spain and Portugal on April 28, 2025, disrupting critical infrastructure.

The Portuguese government has dismissed the possibility of a cyberattack as the cause of a widespread power outage that paralyzed the Iberian Peninsula on April 28, 2025, affecting millions across Spain and Portugal. Authorities attribute the blackout to a grid malfunction originating in Spain, as the region works to restore normalcy following significant disruptions to transportation, communications, and public services.

Portugal Rejects Cyberattack Theory

On April 29, 2025, Portuguese government spokesperson António Leitão Amaro addressed the incident in an interview with CNN Portugal. “So far, we have no information indicating a cyberattack or hostile action,” Amaro stated, describing the assessment as preliminary. He further clarified, “This is the initial conclusion reached by various competent authorities. The incident was most likely the result of a problem in Spain’s electricity transmission network.”

Portugal’s electricity operator, REN (Redes Energéticas Nacionais), confirmed that all substations in the national transmission network have resumed operations, declaring the grid “fully stable” as of Tuesday. The swift restoration efforts highlight the resilience of the country’s energy infrastructure despite the scale of the outage.

Scale and Impact of the Outage

The blackout began around 12:30 PM local time on Monday, impacting most of Spain and Portugal, as well as parts of southern France. The outage crippled critical infrastructure, halting public transportation, grounding flights at Portuguese airports, and disrupting train services and traffic signals, leading to widespread traffic congestion. Internet and mobile phone services were also severed in several areas, severely affecting daily operations and essential services.

The disruption extended beyond the Iberian Peninsula, with Andorra also affected, though Spain’s island territories—the Canary Islands and Balearics—were spared due to their independent power systems, according to The New York Times. The interconnected energy grid of Spain and Portugal, often described as an “energy island,” amplified the outage’s impact across the region.

Possible Causes and Ongoing Investigations

While Portugal has ruled out a cyberattack, the exact cause of the grid failure remains under investigation. Spanish transmission operator Red Eléctrica reported a “very strong oscillation” in the electrical network, leading to a disconnection from the European system and the subsequent collapse of the Iberian grid, as noted by POLITICO. Portuguese authorities, including caretaker Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, have pointed to Spain as the origin of the issue, describing it as a “domino effect” that impacted Portugal’s grid.

The incident follows warnings from the International Energy Agency about the rising threat of cyberattacks on global utilities, which have doubled between 2020 and 2022. However, both Portugal and the European Council, led by President António Costa, have found no evidence of foul play in this case.

Why This Matters

The Iberian power outage underscores the vulnerability of interconnected energy grids to technical failures, even in the absence of malicious intent. With millions affected and critical services disrupted, the incident highlights the need for robust infrastructure and contingency planning. As Spain and Portugal approach key events like Portugal’s upcoming snap elections, ensuring energy stability remains a priority to avoid further economic and social impacts.

Key Takeaways

• Portugal rules out a cyberattack as the cause of the April 28, 2025, Iberian power outage.
• The blackout, likely due to a grid issue in Spain, affected Spain, Portugal, and southern France.
• REN confirms Portugal’s grid is fully stable, with all substations operational.
• The outage disrupted transportation, internet, and public services across the region.

Stay informed: Follow updates on Iberian energy infrastructure and regional stability.

Sources: CNN Portugal, REN, POLITICO, The New York Times.