Review of Geomagnetically Induced Current Proxies in Mid-Latitude European Countries

Abstract

The Quebec blackout on 13 March 1989, has made geomagnetically induced current (GIC) research a socially important field of study. It is widely recognized that the effects of space weather, which may affect the power infrastructure, threaten countries located at high latitudes. However, in recent years, various studies have shown that countries at lower latitudes may also be at risk. One of the best proxies of GIC variability is the local geoelectric field, as measured in Eskdalemuir, Lerwick, and Hartland, by the British Geological Survey or modeled using, e.g., a 1D layered Earth conductivity model. In our article, we present a review of the issues related to the impact of the GIC on transformers and transmission lines in Central and Southern European countries, from Greece, Spain, and Italy to Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Poland. The review underlines the importance of the systematic collection of information about power grid failures and the need for further systematic studies of the GIC’s impact on the operation of power grids in mid-latitude countries.

Ground Electric Field, Atmospheric Weather and Electric Grid Variations in Northeast Greece Influenced by the March 2012 Solar Activity and the Moderate to Intense Geomagnetic Storms

“…Our finding is also consistent with the results of Zois [116] who investigated for the first time the effects of solar activity on the large transformers (150 kV and 400 kV) of the Greek national electric grid and he found preferential presence in transformer failures some (4-7) days after a geomagnetically stormy day. Gil et al (2023) pointed out recently that the Quebec blackout on 13 March 1989, has made GIC research a socially important field of study [117]. These authors concentrated on the fact that space weather may affect the power infrastructure not at high latitudes but also in countries at lower latitudes.…”