Upcoming Conference: Severe Space Weather Threats to the National Electric Grid
Energy & Environmental Security Policy Program
Center for Technology & National Security Policy
October 6, 2011
9:00am - 3:30pm (Lunch is provided)
US Capitol Visitor Center Auditorium
Conference Registration
Geomagnetic storms are a constant but poorly understood threat to our electrical grid. This threat is only further heightened due to the sun entering the solar maximum, a period of increased solar activity, leading to more frequent and severe geomagnetic events. These storms interact with the Earth’s magnetic field causing geomagnetic disturbances. We know from historic storms that these disturbances can cause severe problems to the electrical grid by creating geomagnetically induced currents along high voltage transmission lines, causing disruptions to electrical service and physical damage to key electrical components.
Despite the growth in technical understanding of these events, our vulnerability to geomagnetic storms has increased due to the large growth of electrical networks in the past half-century. Larger transmission networks and higher operating voltages have increased the potential impact of significant geomagnetic disturbances. If we are going to ensure the reliability and security of the grid we must promote an awareness of this issue and develop possible responses to such possibilities.
From historic examples we know that operational procedures can either alleviate or exacerbate the impacts of geomagnetic storms. By simulating a potential storm and its effect on the grid we can determine potential methodologies for responding to the event and mitigating its impact on critical industrial, military, and other assets. Furthermore, understanding potential impacts allows policymakers, technical experts, and other stakeholders to weigh the need to additional protective measures.
Please join the Energy & Environmental Security Policy Program and the Center for Technology and National Security Policy at National Defense University (NDU), in conjunction with US Congressional EMP Caucus and InfraGard National Members Alliance (INMA), for this important conference. Topics include panels that will brief public and private entities on recent tabletop exercises and workshops hosted at NDU and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) discussing the nationwide effects of extreme geomagnetic storms on the US electrical grid and other critical infrastructure.
The conference will also feature Congressional EMP Caucus co-chairs speaking throughout the day. Sessions run from 9:00am until 3:30pm and include lunch, provided by conference sponsor SAIC.
Space is limited so please register to save a seat.
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