Pilar Sánchez Molina
Iberdrola’s 500 MW Núñez de Balboa PV plant reportedly caused Spain blackout
Spanish grid operator Red Eléctrica de España (REE) says a PV project in Badajoz was responsible for Spain’s massive power outage on April 28. Media reports have now revealed that the solar plant is the 500 MW Núñez de Balboa photovoltaic facility, which is owned by Iberdrola.
Spanish grid operator claims power outage originated from solar plant
Beatriz Corredor, president of Spanish grid operator Red Eléctrica de España (REE), said a fault at a PV plant in Badajoz, Spain, triggered a forced frequency oscillation that led to a recent blackout. She said the plant has been “perfectly identified.”
Overvoltage, chain reaction, improper disconnections behind Spain’s blackout
Spain’s Minister for the Ecological Transition, Sara Aagesen, has presented an official report on the April 28 blackout. She also announced 11 measures to strengthen grid stability and prevent future incidents.
France, Spain raise interconnection link capacity from 2.8 GW to 5 GW
France and Spain have driven up the planned capacity of their Bay of Biscay electricity interconnection from 2.8 GW to 5 GW, with €1.6 billion ($1.8 billion) in financing approved by the European Investment Bank (EIB).
Spanish lab develops sodium-ion cell with sustainable materials
Spain’s Instituto Tecnológico de la Energía (ITE) has built a prototype sodium-ion battery cell using high-potential materials and a sustainable polymer-based separator, as part of the SOSBAT project to develop alternatives to lithium-ion storage.
Spain blackout probe stalls amid utility data disputes, voltage issues
The European panel investigating Spain’s April blackout has reported stalled progress due to noncooperation from utilities, hindering efforts to pinpoint causes amid disputes over voltage irregularities and data access.
TPG buys Aurora Energy Research
TPG Rise Climate has acquired UK-based Aurora Energy Research, expanding the US investment firm’s climate analytics portfolio. The deal follows reports earlier this year that Aurora’s private equity owner was exploring a GBP 1 billion ($1.35 billion) sale.
Solar leads Spain’s power mix in May
Solar led Spain’s power generation in May with 4,867 GWh, or 23.5% of the total, followed by hydro at 17.3% and wind at 16.7%, according to data from grid operator Red Eléctrica de España (REE).
Search4solar launches sale of secondhand solar modules
Search4solar, a solar panel trading platform based in the Netherlands, is urging developers, installers and governments to reuse second-life modules, with more than 100,000 used panels currently in stock.
EU plans 2025 energy storage package
The European Commission says it will introduce an energy storage package in 2025, as outlined in a new report on progress by member states toward 2030 clean energy targets.
