Geomagnetically induced currents and space weather - A review of current and future research in Austria

Abstract

Conductive grounded electrical power transmission networks offer a low resistance path for currents induced in the ground. High latitude regions or those with low earth conductivity are especially affected by geomagnetically induced currents (GICs), which are caused by space weather events. Induced currents can cause damages of assets or system outages. Austria, as part of the European Alps with low conductive areas, tends to have a higher risk of induced currents in the electrical power transmission network, therefore, the effect of space weather in the power system has been investigated. Two independent models of GICs in Austria were set up and verified through comparison to ongoing transformer neutral point current measurements. Further research fields, such as space weather prediction, power transformers under dc bias and countermeasures for system operation are outlined.