On April 28, 2025, the eyes of all of Europe turned to the Iberian Peninsula. This was due to a sudden failure that, in just five seconds, deprived almost 100% of the territory of two countries—Spain and Portugal—of electricity. It is estimated that at the peak of the event, more than 50 million people had no access to electric power. The incident caused serious disruptions to public transportation, communications, healthcare, and financial services. The cause of the failure is still under investigation, and various hypotheses are being considered. In this article, we will examine one of them—related to maintaining the stability of the power grid. We will attempt to explain the role that RT-NMS systems play in preventing critical situations caused by sudden changes in energy production.
1. How RT-NMS Systems Improve Power Grid Stability and Prevent Blackouts
Real-Time Network Management Systems are advanced IT platforms used by energy system operators (TSOs and DSOs) to monitor, control, and optimize the operation of the power grid in real time. Thanks to these systems, it is possible to respond on an ongoing basis to changes in energy production, transmission, and consumption.
What do these systems do?
They collect data from thousands of sensors, meters, transformer stations, and renewable energy farms.
They monitor network parameters—such as voltage, frequency, line load, and power flows.
They detect anomalies—for example, overloads, failures, voltage drops, and instabilities.
They make automatic decisions—such as disconnecting a section of the grid or activating reserves.
They enable remote control—of energy flows, power plants, and battery storage systems.
They help forecast risks—through integration with weather forecasts and AI algorithms.
These systems work very closely together, creating an integrated ecosystem that enables comprehensive management of the energy infrastructure—from power plants to end users. Each of the systems has its own specialization, but their synergy is key to ensuring the safety and efficiency of the grid.
A Practical Example in Action:
➡ When photovoltaic farms suddenly stop producing electricity (e.g., due to cloud cover), SCADA detects the power drop → EMS activates reserves in a gas-fired power plant → DMS reduces consumption in less critical areas → the system maintains voltage and prevents a blackout.
2. Renewable Energy Challenges for Grid Stability and Frequency Control
Experts point out that real-time network management systems were not sufficiently prepared for the blackout that occurred on April 28, 2025, in Spain and Portugal. Although there was no technical failure of these systems, their ability to respond rapidly to sudden disturbances was limited.
Pratheeksha Ramdas, a senior analyst at Rystad Energy, noted in an interview with The Guardian that while renewable energy sources cannot be definitively blamed for the blackout, their growing share in the energy mix may make it harder to absorb frequency disturbances. She emphasized that many factors—such as system failure or weak transmission lines—could have contributed to the event.
Meanwhile, Miguel de Simón Martín, a professor at the University of León, stated in WIRED that grid stability depends on three key factors: a well-connected transmission network, appropriate interconnections with other systems, and the presence of so-called “mechanical inertia” provided by traditional power plants. He pointed out that the Spanish power grid is poorly interconnected with the rest of Europe, which limits its ability to respond to sudden disruptions.
3. Critical Factors in Real-Time Power Grid Management Systems
The rapid response of the power system to disruptions is the result of many interrelated elements. Automation alone is not enough – what matters is the quality of data, availability of resources, efficient organization and anticipation of possible scenarios. Below we discuss the key areas that are critical to effective real-time operation.
3.1 Technological foundations of rapid response in the power system
How quickly and effectively a power grid management system can react to sudden disturbances—such as failures, overloads, or rapid drops in power—is not a matter of chance. Many interdependent elements are at play: from technology and network architecture to the quality of data and control algorithms, all the way to how the people responsible for system security are organized. Let’s take a closer look at these components.
In order for the power system to respond effectively to disturbances, real-time data availability is essential. The faster data from meters, sensors, and devices reaches the system, the faster it can react. This requires fast communication protocols, a large number of measurement points (telemetry), and minimal transmission delays (latency).
The second key element is automated decision-making algorithms based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. These enable systems to independently detect anomalies and make immediate decisions without human involvement. An example would be the automatic activation of power reserves or redirection of energy flow.
Another necessary condition for effective response is the availability of power reserves and energy storage. Even the best-designed system cannot react effectively if it lacks sufficient resources. Fast reserves include industrial batteries, gas-fired power plants with short start-up times, and flexible consumers such as industries capable of temporarily reducing energy usage.
Integration with distributed energy resources (DER)—such as photovoltaic farms, wind turbines, prosumers, or energy storage systems—is also crucial. The system must have visibility and control over these elements, because a lack of integration may cause them to disconnect automatically during disturbances instead of supporting grid stability.
3.2 Organizational factors and the importance of planning
The design of the power grid itself—its topology and redundancy—is another important aspect. The more flexible and disturbance-resistant the grid is, for example through interconnections with other countries, the easier it is to respond. “Islanded” grids, like the one on the Iberian Peninsula, have significantly fewer options for importing energy in emergency situations.
Operator and crisis team capabilities cannot be overlooked. Even the most advanced and automated systems require the presence of well-trained personnel who can quickly interpret data and respond appropriately in unusual situations.
Lastly, the level of prediction and planning plays a critical role. The better the system can forecast risks—such as drops in renewable energy output or sudden demand spikes—the better it can prepare, for instance by activating power reserves in advance.
4. Lessons from the Iberian Power Outage: Root Causes and System Response
Although experts consider the stability of technological infrastructure in the energy sector to be crucial in the context of the recent blackout, the Spanish system operator has not issued an official statement on the matter. The latest official statement from Red Eléctrica de España (REE) regarding the April 28, 2025 blackout confirms that by 7:00 a.m. on April 29, 99.95% of electricity demand had been restored. Additionally, REE submitted all the required data to the Commission for Energy Crisis Analysis.
So, what was the official cause of the April blackout on the Iberian Peninsula? We will likely find out after the appropriate authorities complete their investigation.
5. Is the U.S. and Europe at Risk of the Next Major Power Grid Blackout?
According to a report by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), about half of the United States is at risk of power shortages within the next decade. Regions such as Texas, California, New England, the Midwest, and the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) may experience power outages, especially during extreme weather events or periods of peak demand.
The situation is no different in Europe. The European Union faces the challenge of modernizing its energy grid. More than half of its transmission lines are over 40 years old, and infrastructure investments are struggling to keep up with the rapid development of renewable energy sources. The International Energy Agency (IEA) recommends doubling investments in energy infrastructure to $600 billion annually by 2030 to meet the demands of the energy transition.
It is worth noting that the traditional power grid was designed around large, predictable energy sources: coal, gas, hydroelectric, and nuclear power plants. Today, however, the energy mix increasingly relies on renewable sources, which are inherently unstable. The sun sets, the wind calms down—and if the right technological safeguards are not in place at that moment, the grid starts to lose balance. This can be avoided through technological transformation in the energy sector.
6. TTMS IT Solutions for Energy: Real-Time Grid Management and Blackout Prevention
Today’s power grid management is not just about responding to outages, but more importantly, predicting and preventing them in real time. An efficient IT infrastructure and the availability of physical assets and predictive data are the foundation of digital system resilience. Check out how TTMS supports this.
6.1 Real-time responsive IT infrastructure
Modern real-time IT infrastructure plays a key preventive role in ensuring the continuous operation of power systems. Advanced network management systems—such as SCADA, EMS, and DMS—constantly monitor critical grid parameters, including voltage, power flow, and frequency. In the event of a sudden disturbance, this infrastructure triggers immediate responses—dynamically rerouting power flows, activating available reserves, and communicating with distributed energy resources (DER) and storage systems.
6.2 The importance of physical executive resources
However, the effectiveness of these actions depends not only on the software but also on the availability of appropriate physical resources. A system cannot respond effectively if it lacks actual execution capabilities. These include gas-fired power plants with short start-up times, industrial batteries capable of delivering energy instantly, frequency stabilizing devices (e.g., capacitors), and cross-border infrastructure enabling the import of electricity from outside the country. In practice, these elements determine the grid’s resilience to disturbances.
6.3 Risk forecasting and integration of TTMS solutions
An essential complement to this entire ecosystem are predictive tools—including forecasting models based on artificial intelligence. Thanks to these tools, it is possible to identify risks in advance and respond proactively. If the system predicts a production drop of several gigawatts within the next few minutes, it can preemptively activate storage resources, initiate load reduction among industrial consumers, or reconfigure the transmission network.
Transition Technologies MS (TTMS) supports the energy sector in building digital resilience and managing the grid in real time. We provide comprehensive IT solutions that enable the integration of SCADA, EMS, DMS, and DERMS systems with predictive tools, allowing for uninterrupted monitoring and automatic responses to network anomalies. We help our partners implement intelligent mechanisms for managing energy production, distribution, and storage, as well as design predictive models using AI and weather data. As a result, operators can better plan their actions, reduce the risk of blackouts, and make faster, better-informed decisions.
Today’s energy infrastructure is no longer just cables and devices—it is an integrated, intelligent ecosystem in which digital decision-making mechanisms and physical resources complement each other. It is this synergy that determines the system’s stability in times of crisis.
Explore how TTMS can help your utility ensure real-time energy resilience. Contact us or visit our Energy IT Solutions page.
Looking for quick insights or a fast recap? Start with our FAQ section. Here you’ll find clear, to-the-point answers to the most important questions about the 2025 blackout, real-time energy management systems, and the future of power grid stability.
FAQ
What caused the April 2025 blackout in Spain and Portugal?
The exact cause of the April 2025 blackout is still under investigation by relevant authorities. However, experts point to the growing complexity of the power grid and challenges in maintaining stability amid a rising share of renewable energy sources. Although Red Eléctrica de España ruled out a cyberattack and reported no intrusion into control systems, factors like poor interconnections with the European grid and a lack of mechanical inertia may have contributed. Real-time systems were not technically at fault but struggled to react fast enough to a sudden disturbance. A final report is expected after the official analysis concludes.
How do RT-NMS systems prevent blackouts?
Real-Time Network Management Systems (RT-NMS) help prevent blackouts by continuously monitoring energy production, transmission, and consumption across the grid. They collect data from sensors and devices, detect anomalies, and make automated decisions—such as rerouting power or activating reserves. Integrated with tools like SCADA, EMS, and DMS, they enable fast, remote response to disruptions. When paired with AI algorithms and predictive analytics, RT-NMS systems can even anticipate potential risks before they escalate. Their effectiveness depends on both smart software and access to physical resources like storage or backup power.
What are the challenges of integrating renewable energy with power grids?
Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are variable and less predictable than traditional power generation. This instability can cause frequency imbalances or sudden power drops, especially when clouds block sunlight or wind dies down. Without proper grid integration and fast-reacting systems, these fluctuations can threaten stability. Experts emphasize the importance of real-time monitoring, mechanical inertia, and predictive tools to absorb such disturbances. Poorly connected grids, like the one on the Iberian Peninsula, face additional challenges due to limited backup from neighboring networks.
What technologies are needed to modernize energy infrastructure?
Modern energy infrastructure requires advanced real-time IT systems—such as SCADA, EMS, and DMS—capable of detecting and responding to network anomalies within seconds. AI-driven forecasting tools enhance proactive risk mitigation, while fast communication protocols and low-latency telemetry ensure rapid data transfer. Physical assets like industrial batteries, fast-start gas turbines, and cross-border transmission lines are also critical. Integration with distributed energy resources (DERs) and energy storage systems increases flexibility and resilience. A combined digital-physical approach is key to supporting the renewable energy transition and preventing future blackouts.
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