Abstract:
Space Weather and geomagnetic storms resulting from solar activity is an emerging environmental
concern because of the impacts that various facets of space weather may have upon technology
systems, such as satellites, communications, and electric power. Geomagnetic disturbances may
impact the operational reliability of electric power systems. Solar Cycle 22 (1986-1996)
demonstrated to the power industry the need to take into consideration the potential impacts
of geomagnetic storms. Important infrastructure advances have recently been put in place that
provide solar wind data. This new data source along with numeric model advances allows, for the
first-time, the capability for predictive forecasts of severe storm conditions. Most space
weather forecast services only provide for prediction or specification of the near-earth
environment. Operators of critical infrastructures, such as electric power grids, need to know
the impact of threatening space weather conditions on system operations. New advances have been
made and validated which achieve the ability to model both environment and critical infrastructures
in detail in order to provide comprehensive impact assessments of geomagnetic storm conditions
on critical infrastructures. The first of these advanced forecast systems has been developed
by Metatech and is now operational at National Grid Company, the utility that provides service
to England and Wales. National Grid is the largest electric transmission operating company in the
world and is providing the vital proving ground for this advance in Space Weather forecasting for
the electric power industry.