December 21, 2019    |   back to news

Space weather refers to the impacts solar activity can have on the space environment, including the propagation of material that can cause electromagnetic events on Earth. When the space weather is severe, it can cause a large-scale geomagnetic disturbance (GMD) that may disrupt the reliable operation of the U.S. electric power grid.

The U.S. United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) was asked to examine the availability of technologies that may mitigate the effects of large-scale electromagnetic events and the issues and challenges associated with the usage of such technologies. A new GAO report issued this week addresses: (1) what is known about the potential effects of GMDs on the U.S. electric grid; (2) technologies that are available or in development that could help prevent or mitigate the effects of GMDs; and (3) factors that could affect the development and implementation of these technologies.

GAO interviewed government and industry officials about potential GMD effects on the electric grid, including officials from 13 electric power suppliers that were selected based in part on their experiences preparing for and mitigating GMD effects. GAO reviewed technical studies identified through a literature review, as well as relevant Federal Energy Regulatory Commission orders and North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards.

To view the full report, click here

Source: U.S. Government Accountability Office