Less dogma and more energy realism

When electricity fails, not only do the lights go out, the economy stops. A year ago, the great blackout that affected millions of citizens and businesses in Spain and Portugal highlighted a reality that is often overlooked: the security of the electricity supply is not guaranteed by itself, but depends on very specific technical, political, and strategic decisions.

To understand the magnitude of what happened, it is worth remembering that the electrical system functions as a delicate balance between generation and consumption. When that balance is broken, even for minutes, the consequences are immediate. Industries, businesses, and essential services saw their activity interrupted, with significant economic losses. In the case of electro-intensive facilities, a single hour without supply can mean costs of up to several million euros.

The energy transition cannot be built by sacrificing security of supply, price stability, and industrial competitiveness

The energy transition, oriented towards a more sustainable model, is necessary and widely shared. However, it is important to explain that this transition does not consist solely of replacing some energy sources with others. It requires planning, technical support, and a realistic vision of how the system works. It is not enough to increase the presence of renewable energies; it is essential to guarantee that the system remains stable, predictable, and secure.

One of the key elements in this debate is the role of the so-called synchronous generation, that is, those technologies capable of providing stability to the electrical grid. Nuclear power plants, hydroelectric plants, or combined cycles not only produce energy, but also contribute to maintaining the system's frequency and voltage. This technical aspect, often unknown, is fundamental to avoid failures like the one that occurred.

After an electrical blackout, we cannot afford a nuclear blackout

In this context, nuclear energy occupies a relevant place. Although it represents a relatively small part of the installed capacity, it contributes a very significant proportion of the electricity generated and does so constantly. This makes it a pillar of stability, especially in a system where renewables, by their very nature, are intermittent.

Therefore, the debate about the energy future should not be framed in ideological terms, but rather technical ones. The balanced combination of different sources is what allows for guaranteeing a reliable supply. Dispensing with technologies that provide stability without having fully developed alternatives can increase the system's vulnerability and translate into higher costs for households and businesses.

Closing nuclear power plants: a step backward in energy dependence and autonomy

Furthermore, there is another factor to take into account: energy dependence on external sources. Spain continues to need to import a significant portion of the energy it consumes. Reducing internal firm generation capacity could increase that dependence at a time when Europe is precisely seeking to strengthen its strategic autonomy.

One year after the blackout, it is not enough to draw technical conclusions. It is also necessary to address accountability. Episodes of this magnitude demand a rigorous analysis of what went wrong, what decisions contributed to that situation, and, above all, who should assume responsibility. Without this exercise in transparency, it is difficult to strengthen confidence in the system and prevent similar situations from recurring.

The lesson is clear: a solid energy system is not built solely with ambitious goals, but with data, planning, and common sense. Sustainability must be accompanied by security of supply, competitive prices, and stability for the productive fabric.

Ultimately, moving towards a cleaner energy model is essential, but doing so without considering its technical implications can generate unnecessary risks. Less dogma and more energy realism ultimately means making informed decisions, taking responsibility, and ensuring the system is prepared to respond even in the most critical moments.