Blackout at the Grocery Store
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The blackout incident in Spain and Portugal affecting millions of people, business, and public services  is going viral! 

Some are blaming the penetration of Wind and solar energy for this disruption. 

We urge everyone to be circumspect and calm while awaiting the results of a full investigation.  

We also commend the people working round the clock to restore power. 

One thing is clear from this disruption. The need for a more resilient power system has become clear. 
It serves as a wake up call to prioritize energy security and flexibility in the power system. It calls for more cross-border interconnections in ASEAN, system integration and deployment of energy storage such as short-duration batteries, long-duration storage, hydro power and pumped hydro. 

Effectively integrated, modern renewables, including wind, solar, hydropower and geothermal, combined with energy storage, can stabilise the grid, balance supply and demand, deliver inertia and black start capability, and speed up recovery after failure. 

Let not one incident derail our collective effort to achieve our net zero ambitions. 

The energy transition must continue with resolve, responsibility, and foresight. 

Investment in resilience and flexibility is the way forward. Reducing the flow of money, and reallocating funds to fossil fuels, will only delay  the transition.