Grant: Alliance Grants

Eruptions of high-energy particles from the sun (i.e. solar storms) cause Earth's magnetic field to bend and warp. This geomagnetic disturbance (GMD) induces currents in the Earth which can damage electric power systems and, in the worst case, cause widespread blackouts. Factors which affect geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) include how the electric grid is connected, the electrical conductivity of the Earth, and the time and spatial variation of Earth's magnetic field during GMDs. These interrelated factors affect GICs in complex ways which are poorly understood especially at the meso-scale (~100s km). To better assess GIC risk in Alberta, this proposal brings together a multi-disciplinary collaboration of scientists and engineers which includes researchers from the University of Alberta, industry partners from the two largest electric utility companies in the province (AltaLink L.P, ATCO Electric), and the provincial electric grid regulator (Alberta Electric System Operator [AESO]). This proposed project will focus on three research themes: 1) monitor GICs using two independent techniques, 2) characterize meso-scale GMD and induced currents using existing magnetometer data and ground conductivity measurements, and 3) model the power system response to GMD and perform vulnerability assessments for both real-time monitoring and extreme worst-case scenarios. This unique partnership will foster long-term collaboration between researchers and industry professionals, provide solutions for monitoring the vulnerability of the electric grid to solar storms, and make recommendations for future mitigation. The timeliness of the proposed work is underlined by AESO's objective to implement reliability standards concerning GMD events, and the upcoming peak in the 11-year solar cycle which will see a larger number of GMDs. This research is valuable in helping maintain electric grid reliability, increasing the expertise of highly-qualified personnel, and transferable to other provincial, national, and international jurisdictions as an exemplar of academic-industry collaboration in GIC research.