On April 28, 2025, Spain experienced one of the largest electricity blackouts in its recent history. At 12:33 p.m., a sudden fall in the power grid left much of the country without power.
Let’s now imagine this same scenario in the middle of summer. In August, the average temperature in Spain is around 34 °C, and many areas exceed 40 °C during the day. Without air conditioning or fans, the wind chill indoors would become unbearable. For many people, especially the elderly, infants or people with chronic illnesses, this would not only be uncomfortable, but dangerous.
In a scenario without electricity, passive shading solutions become crucial. Shade devices such as awnings can reduce indoor temperature by up to 10% if used properly. This difference can be crucial and signify health, well-being in episodes of extreme heat.
The great blackout reminds us how vulnerable we are to dependence on the electricity grid and that with the constant increase in temperatures and heat waves, it is vital to bet on resilient alternatives that do not depend on the electricity supply.
In an increasingly unpredictable world, investing in passive shading systems not only improves the feeling of thermal comfort, but is also a smart way to prepare for future climate and energy emergencies.
