A Stark Warning on the Risks of Renewable Reliance and the Future of Energy Security

The recent widespread power outages in Spain and Portugal created significant disruption, highlighting the potential vulnerabilities of a society heavily reliant on electricity and renewable energy sources. The blackouts occurred shortly after Spain had increased its use of wind and solar power, and just days after its grid ran entirely on green energy for the first time. While the exact cause of the Iberian outage remains under investigation, the incident raises questions about the reliance on renewable energy sources and the potential benefits of having alternative energy generation methods, such as gas, available to mitigate the impact of power cuts.

The suspicion surrounding the outages centers on the increasing use of renewable energy, with solar and wind power reaching a peak contribution before the system failure. Although a cyberattack has been ruled out, extreme temperatures have also been suggested as a possible factor. However, the weather conditions were not significantly warmer than in other regions. The incident has sparked debate, particularly given the substantial investment and political will behind the net-zero initiative.

Energy experts suggest that the inherent nature of renewable energy makes blackouts more likely and potentially more severe. Traditional energy sources like gas, coal, and hydroelectricity utilize turbines that maintain inertia, providing a buffer against power disruptions. In contrast, solar and wind power systems lack this inertia, which can lead to a rapid escalation of power cuts, potentially shutting down the entire system. The widespread belief in net-zero goals has, to some extent, overshadowed the practical challenges associated with renewable energy sources.

The reliance on electricity in modern life was further exposed by the Iberian power cuts. Cities experienced significant disruptions, with businesses unable to operate due to non-functional card readers. A society that still used cash would have been able to continue with daily activities. The outages highlighted the need for resilient energy systems with diverse power sources, including gas, coal, and nuclear, alongside renewables.

The rapid transition towards a net-zero energy future is viewed by some as a risky endeavor. The events in Spain and Portugal serve as a cautionary tale, particularly for regions like the UK, where similar policies are being implemented. Concerns have been raised about the increasing instability of the UK's power grid, with frequent breaches of operational limits and near-miss blackouts. The reliance on electricity is becoming too strong, and the political focus on net-zero goals is seen as a growing risk. It is time for governments to learn from the recent continental outage and establish resilient energy systems.