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34 Energy L.J. 1 (2013)
Vulnerability of National Power Grids to Electromagnetic Threats: Domestic and International Perspectives

handle is hein.journals/energy34 and id is 23 raw text is: ENERGY LAW JOURNAL Volume 34, No. 1 2013 VULNERABILITY OF NATIONAL POWER GRIDS TO ELECTROMAGNETIC THREATS: DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES Avi Schnurr* Synopsis: Rapid evolution of the national power grid and the bulk power system in size, scope, technology, and structural complexity has been accompanied by a substantial increase in sensitivity to electromagnetic disturbances, both natural and malicious. This increasing sensitivity will be further exacerbated by extensive grid renovation in the next ten to twenty years. When combined with new evidence of infrequent but Severe Space Weather events and with rising concerns from international political instabilities and proliferation trends, this expanding sensitivity has introduced a new dimension of risk to power grid reliability and security. This article, following a technical and historical summary, reviews some of the fundamental electromagnetic threat (e-threat) issues and complexities being considered by policy makers and regulators, and summarizes grid hardening options. This article explores unique challenges associated with an issue which affects many government functions, highlighting perspectives expressed by different agencies in the United States and allied governments. The article concludes with a short menu of regulatory considerations and industry-initiative measures that could help address e-threat concerns. I. Introduction.......................................... 3 A. Overview........................................ 3 1. The Critical Role of Power Grids in Modern Societies.............3 * M.Sc., physics, the University of California, Los Angeles. Avi Schnurr is Coordinator of the International Electric Infrastructure Security Summit Series, and CEO and President of the Electric Infrastructure Security (EIS) Council. He has reviewed electromagnetic threats and power grid protection options for the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Congress, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Department of Energy, the Department of Defense, National Security Council staff, and other U.S. government agencies, and has briefed cabinet members, chief scientists, and other senior officials in allied governments and international governmental bodies. 1

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