Report Power Outage in Spain and Portugal Sparks Energy Security Debate in Thailand

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

A prolonged power outage that left large parts of Spain and Portugal without electricity for hours has raised concerns about energy stability in countries increasingly dependent on renewable sources. Trirat Sirichantaropas, CEO of New Energy Plus Solutions and former deputy secretary-general of the Thai Sang Thai Party, addressed the issue in a social media post, questioning whether a similar incident could occur in Thailand.

 

The blackout caused widespread disruption across the Iberian Peninsula. Residential areas, hospitals, schools, train stations, and airports were all affected, leading to significant economic losses.

 

Mr Trirat, an advocate for clean energy, explained that both Spain and Portugal are leaders in renewable energy adoption in Europe, with over 60 gigawatts of renewable capacity, including 27 GW from wind and 18 GW from solar. While this transition helps combat climate change and reduces energy costs, he highlighted a crucial downside: the instability of renewable energy sources.

 

“Renewables such as solar and wind are largely dependent on natural conditions, sunshine and wind, which are unpredictable,” he said. “Without sufficient backup power from stable sources like gas or hydroelectric plants, the system becomes vulnerable.”

 

Citing a Reuters report, he noted that just before the outage, Spain’s power mix consisted of 59% solar, 12% wind, 11% nuclear, and 5% combined cycle gas turbines (CCGT). Unexpectedly, solar power generation dropped by more than 50% in just five minutes, from 18 GW to 8 GW, for reasons that remain unclear. Backup systems were insufficient to cope with the sudden shortfall, causing grid frequency to drop from the standard 50 Hz to 49.85 Hz. This triggered an automatic shutdown of numerous devices and systems, plunging millions into darkness.

 

Could this happen in Thailand?

 

Mr Trirat reassured that such a scenario is unlikely in the Kingdom. “Thailand’s power generation is still heavily reliant on stable sources like gas, coal, and oil, which account for about 90% of our mix, with renewables making up only 10%,” he said. “Our energy system is among the most robust in the region, and security of supply remains a top priority.”

 

However, he cautioned against complacency. As Thailand gradually transitions towards a greater reliance on renewable energy, it is essential to balance this with adequate backup capacity. Without it, the country could one day face similar vulnerabilities.

 

“The lesson here is not to avoid renewables, but to manage them wisely. Energy transition must be accompanied by planning and infrastructure that can ensure stability, even in unforeseen circumstances,” he concluded.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-04.

 

 

 

[KhunBENQ]

Solar farms Made in China.

Can be shutdown remotely any time from there.

That's a nervous discussion in Germany.

[BritManToo]

13 minutes ago, KhunBENQ said:

Solar farms Made in China.

Can be shutdown remotely any time from there.

That's a nervous discussion in Germany.

Pretty sure they can shut down anything they make that has an internet connection.

Home inverters, phones, remote operated switches, cars ..... the list is endless.

 

But equally sure they wouldn't dare, unless as a last resort starting TEOTWAWKI.

[Gottfrid]

6 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Trirat Sirichantaropas, CEO of New Energy Plus Solutions and former deputy secretary-general of the Thai Sang Thai Party, addressed the issue in a social media post, questioning whether a similar incident could occur in Thailand.

Let´s make it easy for this guy. YES! If it can happen in other countries, it can also happen in Thailand! 

[connda]

Unlike Spain, Thailand still has coal fired plants and a more diverse mix of generation capacity.  If they want to address energy security, they should start looking at nuclear.

[Tarteso]

Nuclear and Renewables… The ideal is to maintain the production of both.

[Jake72]

I think Thailand in general is better prepared for power outages simply because the grid is less reliable here. Most condos I've lived in over the years had a large diesel generator in the basement for emergencies and all the office buildings I've worked in have had similar backup power, so at least the elevators and lights kept working, but not air conditioning.

 

Now living in a house, we have 2 levels of backup power. First is a couple of fairly large 48V ebike batteries that will run basic lights and fans for days plus charge mobile phones, tablets etc. 

 

Second level is a cheap Chinese 5kW generator, it allows us to run the fridge/freezer and use air conditioning plus everything else, but it is quite noisy. I always keep a couple of 20 liter cans of gasoline for emergency, I just cycle them in the wife's car to make sure it doesn't get too old.

 

I guess last resort would be to get in the car and find a hotel somewhere with power.

[Captain Flack]

Off topic post removed.

[digger70]

1 hour ago, Tarteso said:

Nuclear and Renewables… The ideal is to maintain the production of both.

Sounds good except for the renewables they are not cheaper and cleaner .

It doesn't matter what power is being generated  It's very easy to be shut down by terrorists Power stations /wind farms/ solar farms /communication centers are easy targets.

[Dexxter]

On 5/4/2025 at 10:42 AM, BritManToo said:

TEOTWAWKI

The End Of The World As We Know It.

I am surprised I was immediately able to read that abbreviation without looking it up or seeing it before.

[rickudon]

Presumably a technical problem, 50% of your solar panels are not going to stop producing power in 5 minutes nationwide. Presumably they monitor the weather and sunset, so would know about any expected drop in solar energy input. 

 

A grid issue for sure.