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- Sostenibilidad
- Blackout, renewables
Sustainability and Energy Dependence: Self-Sufficiency Against the Blackout
The recent blackout in Spain was more than a simple power outage: it was an uncomfortable reminder of how much we depend on centralized systems to lead a normal life. From the fridge to WiFi, everything collapses when the power fails. But it was also an opportunity to reflect: are we prepared for a less predictable world? And more importantly, can we build a more self-sufficient, healthy, and sustainable lifestyle?
The fragility of what we took for granted
We live surrounded by comforts. We press a switch, and the light turns on; we open the tap, and water flows; we turn on the oven, and lunch is on the way. But what happens when these everyday gestures stop working? The blackout that affected much of the country left a shared feeling: the discomfort of not being in control.
Our energy infrastructure is highly centralized. That means it depends on an interconnected network, vulnerable to technical failures, cyberattacks, or political tensions. And it’s not just about electricity. Our food, our hygiene, our communication… everything depends on that invisible network.
The blackout of April 28: alarming figures
On April 28, 2025, at 12:33 p.m., Spain and Portugal experienced an unprecedented electrical blackout that cut off power, communications, and internet across the entire Peninsula. This event caused chaos in public services like trains and subways, leaving thousands of people stranded. At 4:00 p.m., partial power restoration began. By 6:00 p.m., President Pedro Sánchez announced that the definitive causes were still unknown but ruled out a security issue. It was revealed that at 12:33 p.m., 15 gigawatts were lost in just five seconds, representing 60% of the country's electricity consumption.
Are renewables to blame?
After the blackout, many pointed fingers at renewable energies. The reason was the sudden disconnection of 15 gigawatts — 60% of the electricity demand at that moment — collapsing the system in seconds. According to Red Eléctrica de España (REE), much of that loss came from solar installations in southwestern Spain. In April 2025, renewable energies represented approximately 64% of total electricity generation, with 20.1% from photovoltaics and 21.6% from wind. Hydropower contributed 19.4%.
But let’s be clear: renewables are not to blame for the blackout. The problem is not their nature but how we’ve integrated them into the electrical system. Renewables, by their very dynamics, require specific infrastructures to guarantee stability, such as storage systems, smart demand management, and the ability to respond to disruptions.
As CSIC scientist Antonio Turiel pointed out, “It’s not that renewables fail; it’s that we haven’t invested enough to adapt them to the type of grid we have.” It’s unreasonable to ask the energy of the future to operate under the rules of the past.
Blackouts in other countries: a global vulnerability
What happened in Spain is not an isolated case. In February 2021, Texas (USA) suffered a massive blackout that left over 4 million people without electricity for days. Known as the Winter Storm Uri, this event resulted in at least 246 deaths and economic losses estimated between $80 billion and $130 billion. In California, planned blackouts and wildfires have exposed the fragility of its interconnected system. And in Ukraine, cyberattacks on the electrical system in 2015 and 2016 revealed an even more concerning emerging threat: the remote manipulation of critical infrastructures.
These international examples underline an uncomfortable truth: the energy transition and digitalization, without proper planning and resilience, can increase certain risks. Spain's case is part of this global trend and forces us to learn from both foreign and local mistakes.
Who should lead the adaptation of the grid?
Although it’s important for citizens to take steps toward self-sufficiency, we cannot ignore the essential role of governments, regulators, and operators in this transition. Red Eléctrica, the Ministry for Ecological Transition, and European organizations like ENTSO-E are responsible for investing in infrastructures, regulating the balance between technologies, and ensuring that digitalization does not compromise stability.
The current blackout raises an urgent question: Are our energy policies up to the challenge? The transition to renewables requires not only technological will but also ambitious political decisions, clear regulatory frameworks, and international coordination. It’s not just a matter of efficiency but of security and energy justice.
And while major players discuss how to adapt the system, the question remains personal: what can each of us do in the face of this new vulnerability?
What does this have to do with sustainability?
We usually associate sustainability with recycling, responsible consumption, or electric mobility. But in reality, sustainability is also about resilience and self-sufficiency. It’s the ability to maintain a decent lifestyle even when systems fail. Facing a future blackout (which no longer seems so unlikely), the sustainable response is not just to wait for everything to work again. It’s asking ourselves: how can I reduce my dependence? What can I do today to be better prepared tomorrow?
This is where renewable energies, efficient home design, and also sustainable nutrition come into play.
How to prepare at home for future blackouts?
Okay, we know we can’t control what happens with the country’s entire electrical grid, but we can do something from home. Having a small emergency plan isn’t a bad idea. You don’t have to turn into a paranoid survivalist, but you should think sensibly.
It’s a good idea to have domestic batteries connected to backup systems to make use of solar energy in case of a power cut. And if that’s not in your plans for now, at least ensure you have flashlights, external batteries for phones, candles, and some ready-to-eat food. A domestic self-sufficiency guide can help you prioritize the essentials.
Another practical step: identify which devices in your home are really essential. Basic lighting, a small fridge, the router if you have backup… connecting them to a battery or alternative source can make a big difference. These are the first steps toward living without relying on the electrical grid.
Sustainable nutrition even in emergencies
Here’s something simple: what will you eat if the power goes out for hours or days? Most of us don’t think about this… until it happens. That’s why having food that doesn’t need refrigeration or cooking is a smart move. You can read a previous reflection on the topic on our blog: Blackout and Electric Grid: A Reflection on How We Feed Ourselves.
It’s not just about surviving. It’s about doing it well, taking care of your body, and reducing your ecological footprint. Products like nuts, cooked legumes, quality energy bars, powdered creams, dehydrated superfoods, or nutritionally complete shakes can help you maintain a healthy diet without electricity.
And yes, among the sustainable alternatives for energy crises, Satislent products make a real difference. They are designed to offer a complete meal in seconds, without the need for cooking or refrigeration. Plant-based, highly nutritious, and practically packaged, they are a solution designed for real life… even when the grid fails.
Conclusion: an opportunity to reflect
The 2025 blackout was a clear reminder of our dependence. But it can also be a starting point. A call to action for those who believe in a sustainable, intelligent, and prepared lifestyle.
Renewable energies are not the problem. On the contrary, they are the solution. But we have to do it right. It’s not enough to have more panels or turbines if we don’t invest in adapting the grid to this new energy paradigm.
It’s unreasonable to ask the energy of the future to operate under the rules of the past.
And in the meantime, at home, we can act. Adopt sustainable habits, opt for sustainable products for emergencies, and accept that preparing is also caring.
Because a sustainable life is also a prepared life.
