Trump’s Energy Secretary Baselessly Blames Spain’s Power Outage on Renewables

image via New Scientist

April 30, 2025, 7:15 PM

• •U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright blamed renewable energy for a power outage in Spain and Portugal, while the cause remains unclear.
• •Wright's comments contrast with the Spanish grid operator's cautious approach, and echo his history of criticizing wind and solar.
• •Experts caution against premature conclusions, highlighting the complexity of grid failures and the need for thorough investigation.
• •The article references the political implications of grid failures and the recurring pattern of blaming renewables.

Following a widespread power outage in Spain and Portugal, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright quickly blamed renewable energy sources, specifically wind and solar. His comments, made on television, aligned with his past criticism of these energy sources. Grid experts and the Spanish grid operator, however, cautioned against jumping to conclusions, emphasizing the complex factors that can contribute to such failures. The investigation is still ongoing, and the incident highlights the ongoing debate over the reliability and role of renewable energy in power grids.

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