Información del Artículo
On April 28, 2025, Spain and Portugal experienced one of the largest power outages in their recent history, affecting more than 50 million people. This event not only left homes and businesses without electricity but also exposed the fragility of our digital infrastructures. Numerous online services, including websites, e-commerce platforms, and communication systems, were disrupted due to the failure of servers and telecommunications networks.
This incident raises a crucial question:
How can we build a digital infrastructure that is resilient to power outages and other similar disasters?
Causes of the blackout and its impact on the servers
According to official reports, the blackout was due to a sudden loss of approximately 15 GW of electrical generation, equivalent to 60% of Spain’s electricity consumption at that time. This drop caused a collapse in the electrical grid that extended to Portugal and other connected regions. Critical infrastructures, such as hospitals, airports, transportation networks, and telecommunications, were severely affected. 2
In the digital realm, many data centers activated their backup systems, such as generators and batteries, to maintain their operations. However, the interruption of the power supply and the failure of telecommunications networks left many users without access to online services, even if the servers remained operational.
Limitations of the current infrastructure
The blackout revealed several limitations in our digital infrastructure:
- Dependence on the electrical gridMost data centers and telecommunications networks rely on the electrical grid for their operation.
- Lack of redundancy in telecommunications networksThe failure of mobile networks and the internet left many users without access to digital services, even if the servers were still operational.
- Insufficient backup systemsAlthough some data centers had backup systems, these were not always sufficient to maintain operations throughout the entire blackout.
Strategies for a resilient digital infrastructure
To improve the resilience of our digital infrastructure against blackouts and other disasters, the following strategies can be considered:
1. Renewable energy and local storage
Implementing renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and wind turbines, along with energy storage systems, can provide an independent and sustainable energy source for data centers and telecommunications networks. This reduces dependence on the electrical grid and enhances resilience against power outages.
2. Redundant telecommunications networks
Developing redundant telecommunications networks, including mesh networks and satellite links, can ensure the continuity of communication services even if a part of the network fails. For example, the use of technologies like Starlink or OneWeb can provide internet connectivity in areas affected by outages.
3. Distributed data centers
Distributing data centers geographically and using hybrid cloud architectures can improve resilience by allowing services to remain operational even if a specific location is affected by a disaster.
4. Robust backup systems
Investing in robust backup systems, such as high-capacity generators and long-lasting batteries, can ensure that data centers and telecommunications networks continue to operate during prolonged outages.
5. Proactive monitoring and maintenance
Implementing real-time monitoring systems and conducting proactive maintenance of the infrastructure can help identify and address issues before they become critical failures.
What can we do?
The blackout of April 2025 in Spain and Portugal highlighted the vulnerability of our digital infrastructure to electrical disasters. To build a more resilient and sustainable infrastructure, it is essential adopt strategies that include the use of renewable energies, redundant telecommunications networks, distributed data centers, robust backup systems and a proactive approach to maintenance. These measures will not only improve resilience against outages but will also contribute to a more sustainable and efficient digital infrastructure.
However, in the face of the simultaneous failure of electricity, cable networks, and mobile networks, the resilience of data centers, no matter how “green” they are, is not enoughIn such scenarios, it is essential to consider solutions that address connectivity from a more decentralized and autonomous perspective.
1. Decentralized infrastructure with its own energy
Implement data microcenters powered by renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and battery systems, can ensure the continuity of essential services at the local level. These centers can operate independently during prolonged power outages, ensuring access to critical information.
2. Global satellite internet
Services such as Starlink from SpaceX Amazon’s Project Kuiper is developing constellations of satellites in low Earth orbit to provide internet connectivity in remote areas or those affected by disasters. These solutions can be vital for restoring communications when terrestrial infrastructures fail.
3. Wireless mesh networks and local cache nodes
Mesh networks allow the interconnection of multiple nodes that share the network load, offering a resilient alternative to traditional infrastructures. Projects like Guifi.net in Spain and NYC Mesh in the United States are examples of how communities can build and maintain their own decentralized communication networks.
4. Offline-first or pre-cached content
Develop progressive web applications (PWA) with offline capabilities allows users to access essential content even without an internet connection. By using service workers and caching, it is possible to provide basic functionalities and access to critical information during service interruptions.
In conclusion, to achieve true digital resilience, it is essential to adopt a holistic approach that combines decentralized infrastructures, autonomous energy sources, and technologies that enable the continuity of essential services, even in the absence of traditional networks.
References:
Electrical X-ray of the three provinces at the origin of the great blackout
– The Country
Blackout in Spain and Portugal in 2025
– Wikipedia
Chronicle of an unannounced blackout: this is how the Iberian data center industry experienced it.
– Data Center Dynamics
Digital resilience: a strategic key for the operational continuity of data centers
– Data Center Dynamics
Amazon launches first 27 operational Kuiper satellites to compete with Starlink.
– Breaking Defense Reuters
Amazon launches its first internet satellites to compete against SpaceX’s Starlinks.
–NPRComputing
Data centers operated normally in Spain after the blackout.
– Data Center Market
The blackout will not affect future investments in data centers.
– Computing.es
A sustainable and resilient energy future for data centers
– hatch.com
Digital Grid for a smart and resilient energy infrastructure
– Procetradi
