Space Weather Impact for Future Electricity System Resilience (SWIFTER)

Project summary

This project will deliver a probabilistic space weather impact and mitigation assessment of the current GB electricity system, and of the anticipated electricity system at key milestones in the net zero transition. 

Name Status Project reference number Start date Proposed End date
Space Weather Impact for Future Electricity System Resilience (SWIFTER) Live NIA2_NGESO062 May 2024 Jan 2025
 

 

Strategy theme Funding mechanism Technology Expenditure Preceding Projects
Optimised assets and practices NIA_RIIO-2 Environmental, Resilience £325,000 10060460
Summary

This will provide an up-to-date assessment of the potential impact of a Reasonable Worst Case Scenario (RWCS) space weather event, and an assessment of ESO’s ability to securely operate the system. Space and ground threat, and associated asset vulnerabilities across the electricity network will be analysed. The project will then assess potential mitigations that could be implemented both pre-event and during an event, to inform contingency and response plans developed by electricity industry participants.  

Benefits

The project will enable the whole electricity sector to understand the potential impact of a severe space weather event and asset vulnerabilities. This will enable strengthening of the system and mitigate the risks associated an event where possible, and ensure robust contingency, response and recovery plans are embedded within all organisations across the industry. A complete cost-benefit analysis for identified mitigation options will be delivered as part of the project. If this project is successful and timings align, the results of this project will provide electricity system inputs into the UK Government Severe Space Weather Preparedness Strategy across all industries. 

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