The massive blackout that left Spain and Portugal in the dark on Monday brought home for many Europeans the overwhelming reliance their societies have on electricity—and the stability of the power system that provides it.

This week’s blackout in Spain and Portugal confronted authorities with an unprecedented event: the first mass electrical outage on a grid largely powered by wind and solar energy.

Carbon Brief examines what is known about the Spanish and Portuguese power cuts, the role of renewables and how the media has responded.