Blackout

Interview to José Luis Sancha

The stability of the power system is changing. The integration of renewable energy and the growing use of power electronics are altering how the grid responds to disturbances and increasing the complexity of its operation.

In this interview, Sergio de López Diz talks with José Luis Sancha (ICAI) about the causes of a blackout and the mechanisms that can lead to the collapse of a power grid.

The analysis focuses on cascading failures, where an initial disturbance can rapidly escalate in systems with narrow operating margins. Factors such as loss of inertia, reduced short-circuit power, and interaction between converters are key in this new scenario.

In addition, the report examines the role of power electronics in grid stability and the main solutions for preventing blackouts: advanced control, energy storage, and new approaches such as grid-forming systems.