The electricity system in Spain is facing escalating challenges with the decline in the readiness of gas-fired power plants, amid an increased reliance on them to enhance the stability of the electrical grid and ensure continuous energy supply, following the widespread blackout experienced in the Iberian Peninsula in April 2025.
Data from the energy sector indicates that about 10 gigawatts out of 25 gigawatts of the installed capacity of combined cycle plants are either out of service or not ready for operation, reaching a rate of 40 percent, raising concerns about the ability of these plants to meet the growing demands of the grid.
This decline is attributed to the intensified operation of gas plants since the power outage incident, as they have taken on a crucial role in regulating electrical voltage and addressing operational fluctuations, which has forced them to operate at a higher pace than usual.
Energy sector specialists have warned that the repeated operation and shutdown of the plants several times a day accelerates equipment wear and increases maintenance burdens, as well as increasing downtime and reducing the available generation capacities.
In an effort to address the situation, the grid operator has begun reviewing maintenance schedules for several plants, aiming to ensure sufficient capacities are available to meet the needs of the system and reduce the risks of production shortages.
This coincided with an increase in the share of combined cycle plants in electricity production in the Iberian Peninsula from about 8 percent to 19.4 percent, indicating the growing importance of gas as a supporting source for renewable energy and grid stability.
These developments reflect a dilemma facing the Spanish electricity sector, which lies in achieving a balance between the expansion of renewable energy sources and maintaining traditional generation plants capable of providing the necessary flexibility and ensuring the continuity of electrical supplies.