Vulnerability and security in a changing power system

The modern society is critically dependent on a secure electricity supply to maintain its functionality. Increased knowledge about the security of supply regarding vulnerabilities in the power grids and wide-area interruptions (blackouts) is very importan t to enable a secure and flexible power system. The objective of this project is to establish a scientific basis for dealing with vulnerabilities in the changing electric power system related to blackouts with severe impact on society. Controlling the v ulnerabilities in the power grids is essential to handle the security of supply. Vulnerability is related to the hazard exposure such as technical faults, extreme weather, human errors and operational stress. It has been identified a need for increased kn owledge on monitoring and management of vulnerabilities. This challenge will be met by research activities to develop relevant indicators and methods to monitor and classify the level of vulnerabilities in the power grids, and to develop methods and opera tional tools for enhanced power system risk and vulnerability analysis. Blackouts need to be addressed from a societal security point of view and the project will provide new knowledge about different stakeholders risk attitudes and acceptance criteria in this regard. Increased knowledge and understanding of risks and vulnerabilities will provide a basis for communication within this field between the energy authorities, network companies and system operators and towards the public opinion. The project w ill contribute to a sound basis for socio-economic efficient operation and development of the changing transmission and distribution systems. The results serve as a knowledge basis for a range of purposes, enabling risk and vulnerability analysis, identif ication and prioritization of risk and vulnerability reducing measures, a better contingency and emergency preparedness planning as well as a better design of the regulatory framework.