Power grids face unexpected slow-burn threat from solar storms
Solar storms can create prolonged geomagnetically induced currents that stress power grids even without a sharp spike.
- The study reports that geomagnetic storms can stress power grids through prolonged geomagnetically induced currents rather than only through brief current spikes.
- Researchers linked the observed current pattern to a possible mid-latitude ionospheric current wedge and used multiple datasets with Transpower New Zealand measurements.
- Power-grid protection planning should account for prolonged geomagnetically induced currents, local ground conductivity, and power-line layout.
What happened
A study published in Space Weather says geomagnetic storms can stress power grids in a slower and less visible way than the usual sharp current spikes. The study examined the severe June 2015 storm over New Zealand and found that geomagnetically induced currents rose gradually for about 90 minutes and reached only about 20 amperes, yet remained long enough to pose transformer risks.
The research team used multiple datasets and Transpower New Zealand measurements. The team linked the pattern to a possible mid-latitude ionospheric current wedge, in which part of the ring current was diverted into the ionosphere.
UPSC may ask how solar storms affect terrestrial infrastructure, why geomagnetically induced currents matter for grid resilience, and why risk assessment must consider local geology and transmission-network design. A mains answer can link space-weather monitoring, critical infrastructure protection, and disaster-risk reduction.
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