Grid Operator Forces Industry Shutdown for Sixth Time in Two Months
Sixth industrial shutdown in two months: 832 MW and 1,631.6 MWh needed to balance the system. The energy model is under scrutiny.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
Sixth industrial shutdown in two months: the grid operator balances the system[SIZE]
What is happening with the Spanish electrical system? On Friday, September 4th, at 9:02 PM, Red Eléctrica activated the Active Demand Response Service (SRAD) again to disconnect industrial consumers for a couple of hours. This was the sixth time in less than two months. Data: 832 MW of industrial power cut and 1,631.6 MWh of energy the operator needed to balance. This is not an isolated technical issue; it is the tip of the iceberg regarding an unsustainable energy model.
## Why is industry being shut down?
The SRAD is a demand management mechanism that Red Eléctrica uses to balance supply and consumption in real-time. It is activated when renewable generation is insufficient or when there is an excess that is difficult to manage. This time, the shutdown occurred at 9:02 PM and lasted approximately two hours, involving a volume of 832 MW. The energy the operator needed to balance the system was 1,631.6 MWh.
Some analyses suggest that the shutdown was carried out on those who agreed and thus minimized the impact because it was not during peak business hours. However, others view it more seriously: with the little industry remaining, such a fragile system is symptomatic. There is also direct criticism aimed at the increase of renewables in the mix: if large consumers are not disconnected, total blackouts like those of 2025 will occur.
## Who pays the price?
The debate intensifies when discussing costs. The industries that agree to the SRAD save 'hundreds of millions of euros' on their bills, and small consumers pay for that difference. This is the argument of those who believe the mechanism is being used excessively. Others remind that the system is intervened by the State and that, without agreement, the government can selectively cut power to large consumers without paying indemnities. In practice, industry assumes the risk, but the cost is shared.
On the other hand, Spain is a net exporter of electricity: it produces more than it consumes. This closes the debate on whether more production is needed. The problem is not quantity, but management. And this is where privatization comes in: the grid is controlled by Redeia, which has private shareholders and foreign funds. For many, the lack of maintenance investment is a direct consequence of that model.
## Prosumers and electric cars: the other side
Meanwhile, prosumer activity continues its 'relentless rise': nothing is being built without solar panels. By combining hydroelectricity with solar to pump water back during the day, the system can be stabilized. Large-scale battery installation is also taking place, although its long-term maintenance raises concerns. Some warn that if only 10% of vehicles are electric and the system is already struggling, 50% will lead to a collapse.
## The fundamental issue
The underlying question is whether the renewable model needs fossil or nuclear backing. Proponents of nuclear power argue that it provides stability, but generation experts point out that nuclear plants cannot regulate energy delivery; it is hydroelectric and thermal power that provides regulation and inertia. 'The system is overloaded with renewables and collapses when the wind doesn't blow,' conclude some.
For now, the solution is to shut down industry. It is getting closer to a scheduled blackout: we sell the green promise, but the system sinks when nature doesn't cooperate. In Spain, which consumes half the electricity per capita of France, this is reality. But don't worry; sustainability is safe, especially for those who don't have to start an industrial oven at ten o'clock at night.[/SIZE]
What is happening with the Spanish electrical system? On Friday, September 4th, at 9:02 PM, Red Eléctrica activated the Active Demand Response Service (SRAD) again to disconnect industrial consumers for a couple of hours. This was the sixth time in less than two months. Data: 832 MW of industrial power cut and 1,631.6 MWh of energy the operator needed to balance. This is not an isolated technical issue; it is the tip of the iceberg regarding an unsustainable energy model.
## Why is industry being shut down?
The SRAD is a demand management mechanism that Red Eléctrica uses to balance supply and consumption in real-time. It is activated when renewable generation is insufficient or when there is an excess that is difficult to manage. This time, the shutdown occurred at 9:02 PM and lasted approximately two hours, involving a volume of 832 MW. The energy the operator needed to balance the system was 1,631.6 MWh.
Some analyses suggest that the shutdown was carried out on those who agreed and thus minimized the impact because it was not during peak business hours. However, others view it more seriously: with the little industry remaining, such a fragile system is symptomatic. There is also direct criticism aimed at the increase of renewables in the mix: if large consumers are not disconnected, total blackouts like those of 2025 will occur.
## Who pays the price?
The debate intensifies when discussing costs. The industries that agree to the SRAD save 'hundreds of millions of euros' on their bills, and small consumers pay for that difference. This is the argument of those who believe the mechanism is being used excessively. Others remind that the system is intervened by the State and that, without agreement, the government can selectively cut power to large consumers without paying indemnities. In practice, industry assumes the risk, but the cost is shared.
On the other hand, Spain is a net exporter of electricity: it produces more than it consumes. This closes the debate on whether more production is needed. The problem is not quantity, but management. And this is where privatization comes in: the grid is controlled by Redeia, which has private shareholders and foreign funds. For many, the lack of maintenance investment is a direct consequence of that model.
## Prosumers and electric cars: the other side
Meanwhile, prosumer activity continues its 'relentless rise': nothing is being built without solar panels. By combining hydroelectricity with solar to pump water back during the day, the system can be stabilized. Large-scale battery installation is also taking place, although its long-term maintenance raises concerns. Some warn that if only 10% of vehicles are electric and the system is already struggling, 50% will lead to a collapse.
## The fundamental issue
The underlying question is whether the renewable model needs fossil or nuclear backing. Proponents of nuclear power argue that it provides stability, but generation experts point out that nuclear plants cannot regulate energy delivery; it is hydroelectric and thermal power that provides regulation and inertia. 'The system is overloaded with renewables and collapses when the wind doesn't blow,' conclude some.
For now, the solution is to shut down industry. It is getting closer to a scheduled blackout: we sell the green promise, but the system sinks when nature doesn't cooperate. In Spain, which consumes half the electricity per capita of France, this is reality. But don't worry; sustainability is safe, especially for those who don't have to start an industrial oven at ten o'clock at night.[/SIZE]
Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (58 replies).
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