Access to electricity is arguably the most crucial pillar of modern society. Our dependence on it touches every aspect of daily life—from powering critical infrastructure and essential public services to something as simple as switching on the TV at night. But with such heavy reliance, how prepared are we to face a sudden loss of power?
That question was asked in Spain and Portugal at the end of April as a major power blackout hit the iberian peninsula, interrupting electric power for around 10 hours in most of the affected areas. The incident began with the sudden disconnection of three major power generators in southern Spain—near Granada, Badajoz, and Seville—resulting in the loss of approximately 2,200 megawatts of generation capacity. This abrupt loss caused a significant drop in grid frequency and a rise in voltage, triggering automatic load-shedding protocols. Subsequently, the high-voltage alternating current (AC) lines between Spain and France tripped, followed by the high-voltage direct current (HVDC) interconnection, effectively isolating the Iberian grid from the rest of Europe. The grid collapsed entirely within seconds, leading to widespread power outages across both Spain and Portugal.
What did this impact?
This large-scale blackout didn’t just plunge cities into darkness—it exposed the fragility of the systems we rely on daily. In Spain, industries such as oil refining, agriculture, and food processing came to a standstill. Supermarkets and logistics chains were disrupted. Cold storage units failed, threatening millions in perishable goods. In Portugal, emergency services were stretched thin as hospitals scrambled to maintain care under generator power, and communications networks faltered.
Essential public services were severely disrupted. Water treatment facilities experienced shutdowns or were forced to run on emergency reserves, posing public health risks. In several cities, administrative systems, including government services and public safety coordination centres, were paralysed due to the lack of digital connectivity. Schools closed or sent students home early, and universities suspended online examinations and classes. Vulnerable communities, including care homes and rehabilitation centres, had to rely on limited backup power—putting elderly and dependent individuals at risk.
Mobile networks suffered particularly hard, with thousands of antennas losing power and backup systems unable to keep up with the scale of the outage. Voice and data services dropped significantly, complicating everything from emergency coordination to basic communication. In urban centres, traffic lights failed, public transport was suspended, and essential services ground to a halt.
The economic toll was swift. Analysts have estimated a hit of over €1.6 billion to the Spanish economy alone, equivalent to roughly 0.1% of GDP. Small businesses, many without the luxury of backup power, lost days of operation. Banking systems, reliant on real-time connectivity, were heavily impacted as ATMs and card terminals went offline, sending the public into panic-buying frenzies and long queues for basic supplies.
The blackout’s effect on public morale was also profound. For many, this was a stark reminder of just how vulnerable our modern conveniences really are. Questions were raised at both national and EU levels regarding grid reliability, cross-border contingency planning, and the urgent need for infrastructure resilience. The incident also shone a spotlight on the importance of decentralised and off-grid-ready solutions that can sustain communication and operational continuity in times of crisis.
The Case for Resilient Connectivity
This blackout was more than just a temporary inconvenience—it was a wake-up call. In an increasingly digital world, our dependence on constant connectivity means even a short disruption can trigger outsized consequences. Power cuts don’t just bring down the lights; they fracture communication, stall critical operations, and put lives at risk.
That’s where resilient infrastructure steps up—and satellite-based connectivity is leading the charge. Unlike terrestrial networks that depend on the power grid and fixed infrastructure, satellite internet offers an independent, rapidly deployable alternative that can function in total isolation.
More notably, preliminary reports and online traffic monitoring have shown a surge in satellite internet usage across the Iberian Peninsula during the blackout period. In particular, Starlink saw a notable increase in demand, as individuals, businesses, and first responders turned to the low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite network to stay connected. The ability to maintain internet access without relying on damaged or overloaded terrestrial infrastructure proved to be a lifeline.
Clarus’ Starlink Mini Mobility Solutions:
When traditional networks fall, Clarus’ Starlink Mini mobility solution keeps teams online and operational. Whether you’re facing a regional blackout or operating in off-grid locations, Starlink Mini ensures seamless, high-speed connectivity wherever your work takes you.
Compact in size and easy to install, the Starlink Mini is ideal for space-limited locations. It consumes just 25W per hour—making it an exceptionally power-efficient tool for mobile and remote environments where every watt counts. Despite its small footprint, it delivers high performance, with 100+ Mbps download and 15 Mbps+ upload speeds, ensuring teams can access cloud applications, communicate in real-time, and manage operations without interruption.
This makes it especially valuable for healthcare providers, emergency services, and critical operations where uninterrupted connectivity is essential. Its IP67 Type 4 rating means the Starlink Mini can endure harsh outdoor conditions—rain, dust, or rough terrain—making it a trusted choice for disaster recovery units, construction teams, and environmental monitoring agencies.
And it doesn’t stop at the device itself. Clarus enhances Starlink Mini’s mobility with a ruggedised travel case designed to maximise operational resilience. Its layout and portability enable teams to quickly deploy connectivity solutions in the field without delay, supporting immediate response during high-pressure situations. This is essential for sectors where timing and dependability can determine mission success—such as emergency response, humanitarian relief, utilities, telecom field operations, and defence logistics. In these industries, maintaining connectivity during disruptions is vital for command coordination, situational awareness, and service continuity. The travel case provides a streamlined way to keep the Starlink Mini protected, portable, and ready to go at a moment’s notice—making it a critical tool for resilience planning and emergency preparedness.
Clarus also offers a robust vehicle mount for the Starlink Mini, designed to bring resilient connectivity to the move. Built for stability and quick deployment, the vehicle mount transforms any emergency vehicle, mobile command post, or utility van into a roaming communications hub. In crisis situations where infrastructure is compromised and response areas are constantly shifting, being able to stay connected while in transit is essential. This mobility feature supports field operations with real-time data sharing, GPS tracking, live video feeds, and access to cloud-based systems—all of which enhance situational awareness and decision-making. For emergency responders, public safety units, and utility crews, this represents a powerful asset in building operational resiliency and maintaining continuity even during chaotic and dynamic scenarios.
A Smarter Path Forward
The lessons of the Iberian blackout are clear. As we become increasingly reliant on electricity and digital infrastructure, the need for flexible, independent, and resilient systems grows in parallel. Traditional infrastructure alone cannot guarantee continuity. It must be supported by smart, scalable technologies that can step in when the unexpected happens.
Solutions like Starlink Mini represent more than just a technological advancement—they offer peace of mind. In the face of uncertainty, they empower teams to act decisively, communicate clearly, and maintain momentum when everything else goes dark. As businesses, governments, and emergency services assess their preparedness for the next disruption, the importance of resilient connectivity should no longer be up for debate—it should be part of every contingency plan.
