Researchers have completed an 18-year study resulting in the first detailed three-dimensional map of electrical properties beneath the United States. With data from more than 1,800 magnetotelluric stations, scientists can now better predict how solar storms and geomagnetic disturbances might impact national power grids through underground geological pathways. This survey also provides insights into ancient landmasses and helps identify potential locations for mineral deposits and heat sources.
Main points:
- Creation of a 3D electrical resistivity map from the surface to the mantle.
- Improved risk assessment for power infrastructure during solar events.
- Identification of conductive materials like graphite and sulfide minerals in ancient formations.
Main points:
- Creation of a 3D electrical resistivity map from the surface to the mantle.
- Improved risk assessment for power infrastructure during solar events.
- Identification of conductive materials like graphite and sulfide minerals in ancient formations.
Microsoft Research has released an open dataset providing approximate transmission topology of the U.S. power grid, constructed entirely from publicly available data such as OpenStreetMap and EIA statistics. This work addresses the difficulty researchers face when accessing critical infrastructure information by providing geographically grounded and electrically coherent models that support AC optimal power flow (AC-OPF) analysis. The pipeline allows for large-scale studies ranging from individual states to the entire Eastern Interconnection, enabling physics-based investigations into grid resilience and capacity without relying on proprietary datasets.
Researchers discovered that renewable energy facilities across Central Europe use unencrypted radio signals to control power generation, posing a potential threat to the grid. If intercepted and manipulated, these signals could disrupt grid stability by causing power imbalances, possibly leading to a continent-wide blackout. This raises significant concerns about the security measures currently in place and the need for more secure alternatives like iMSys, which uses encrypted LTE for communication.
