Spain's Wind Energy Challenges Highlight Need for System Flexibility and Reserves

Spain experienced a significant operational incident on 28 January 2026, driven by an anomalous wind event linked to the storm Kristin. Despite wind power being a cornerstone of Spain's renewable energy mix, excessive wind speeds caused widespread disconnects in turbines, leading to a temporary imbalance in the electrical system.

Throughout the morning, the national grid operator Red Electrica de Espana (REE) initiated emergency measures, activating the Active Demand Response Service (SRAD). This mechanism enables large industrial consumers to reduce consumption temporarily to maintain grid stability during periods of stress. Approximately 1725 megawatts (MW) of industrial demand were curtailed during this event, reflecting the systems adaptability in response to sudden fluctuations.

The root of the disturbance lay in the turbines' automatic disconnection when wind speeds exceeded safe operational limits, approximately 25 meters per second or 90 kilometres per hour. This safety mechanism, essential for preventing structural damage, led to a dramatic reduction in wind energy output from a projected 12500 MW to just 7500 MW. Simultaneously, electricity imports from Portugal decreased sharply due to storm-related disruptions, limiting additional support from external sources.

In a context where renewable generation was severely diminished, natural gas plants stepped in as primary back-up. Gas-fired generators surged from 3000 MW at dawn to over 8000 MW within a few hours, providing vital balancing capacity. However, many combined cycle plants remained offline or did not have immediate operational flexibility, restricting their rapid deployment to compensate for renewable shortfalls.

Despite the apparent severity, REE confirmed that no consumer supply was compromised. The activation of SRAD was a precautionary measure to uphold reserve levels and system security. Nonetheless, the event underscores ongoing challenges linked to the intermittency and operational limits of variable renewable energy sources in Espanas electricity grid.

Looking ahead, the episode emphasizes the need for enhanced reserve capacity, particularly hydraulic and gas-fired plants, and improved industrial flexibility mechanisms. These strategies are critical to address future meteorological extremes and to ensure resilient, reliable power systems as renewable penetration continues to rise. The event serves as a reminder that system flexibility and robust contingency plans remain essential as energy systems evolve towards decarbonisation.