Spain’s Blackout: A wake-up call for the UK energy sector

On 28th April 2025, the lights went out across Spain and parts of Portugal.

Trains stalled, comms dropped, and businesses paused. It was one of the worst grid failures in Europe’s history. Now, as the investigation continues, the question isn’t just “what went wrong?”, but “are we ready if it happens here?”

At TMA, we see the blackout as a wake-up call. Because the issue wasn’t solar or wind; Spain regularly runs high percentages of renewable generation without issue. The problem, experts say, was the infrastructure. Grid stability hasn’t kept pace with the energy transition.

And that’s a lesson the UK can’t afford to ignore.

Data without delay

We’re on the cusp of Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS) – a landmark reform that will bring more granular insight and faster settlement cycles to the UK. But with greater visibility comes greater responsibility.

The blackout in Spain showed what can happen when systems aren’t aligned, when inertia, backup, and balancing can’t keep up with fluctuating demand.

That’s why TMA is built differently.

Our approach helps energy companies not just comply, but anticipate. Because energy events don’t wait for investigations. They demand action in real time.

Why resilience starts with data

Grid-forming inverters, battery storage, EV flexibility… the technology exists to stabilise modern grids. But it’s only as good as the data feeding it.

From reading to collection to analytics, TMA provides the data layer that underpins smart decisions. We ensure accuracy, speed, and transparency so when the market shifts, you stay in control.