Investigation findings welcomed by Renewable Energy Sector
Let's set the record straight: Photovoltaic solar energy ain't to blame for the power outage, according to energy associations.
This joint statement was released by the Portuguese Renewable Energy Association (APREN), the Spanish Photovoltaic Union (UNEF), SolarPower Europe, the Global Solar Council, and the Global Renewables Alliance, following the Spanish government's investigation into the causes of the April 28 power outage that hit the entire Iberian Peninsula.
The Spanish government pins the blame on a mix of factors that led to an excessive voltage overload on the Spanish electrical grid, which the system couldn't handle or absorb, despite having the necessary response infrastructure. They accuse the operator of the Spanish grid (Red Eléctrica - REE) of shoddy planning and Spanish energy companies of failing to meet their obligations during the response phase, with possible non-compliance with overload protocols.
The associations contend that the power outage and today's findings call for increased investment in grid resilience and flexibility, particularly in "grid-forming" technology and storage batteries. They argue that these technologies are essential for maintaining steady voltage levels, managing variability, and securing energy based on renewable sources.
They emphasize that solar energy is skyrocketing as the fastest-growing energy technology globally and offers a cost-effective solution, at least in most parts of the world. It also ensures energy security, unlike gas pipelines that can simply be shut off.
Today, Spain's Minister of Ecological Transition, Sara Aagesen, presented the conclusions of the investigation into the cause of the April 28 blackout at a press conference in Madrid.
Also check out: Spain explains power outage: "A combo of factors," with "poor planning"
Behind the Curtains
The investigation uncovered several key aspects:
- No Fault in Renewable Energy: The findings concluded that renewable energy was not the culprit behind the power outage.
- Grid Oscillations and Overvoltage: The grid experienced unusual oscillations before the power outage, which were not typical in the system. These oscillations, coupled with overvoltage issues, led to the grid's collapse.
- Loss of Generation: The power outage was initiated by a series of rare and rapid losses of generation capacity in southern Spain, including incidents in Badajoz and Sevilla. This precipitated a considerable drop in system frequency, triggering automatic protective mechanisms.
- System Design and Response: The grid was ill-equipped to weather such a sequence of failures. The Spanish and Portuguese System Defence Plans proved inadequate in preventing the power outage.
Responses from Renewable Energy Associations
While specific responses from renewable energy associations are not detailed in the available sources, the investigation's conclusion that renewables were not to blame for the power outage likely means that renewable energy groups would welcome this finding. It supports the ongoing growth of renewable energy sources without placing blame for the power outage on them. However, detailed responses from specific associations are currently unavailable.
Wider Implications
The investigation demonstrates the intricacies and fragility of interconnected power grids, stressing the importance of robust contingency planning and understanding atypical system behaviors. The absolving of renewables as a factor in the power outage highlights the continuing significance of renewable energy in Spain's energy mix, without being held accountable for grid failures not directly linked to their operation.
The Spanish government's investigation revealed that the renewable energy industry was not at fault for the April 28 power outage, however, it underscores the need for increased investment in grid resilience and flexibility, particularly in grid-forming technology and storage batteries, to manage variability and secure energy based on renewable sources.
Given the findings, it is expected that renewable energy associations would advocate for continued growth of renewable energy sources and support the significance of these technologies in the Spanish energy mix.
