In a groundbreaking study published in the journal *Weather in Space*, researchers have uncovered significant threats posed by geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) to power grids, particularly in equatorial regions. The research, led by K. S. Vishnupriya from the Space Physics Laboratory at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Trivandrum, India, sheds light on the often-overlooked impacts of GICs at low latitudes, including the Indian sector.
GICs are electrical currents induced in the Earth’s surface by geomagnetic disturbances, primarily caused by solar activity. These currents can disrupt power grids and pipelines, leading to potential blackouts and infrastructure damage. While extensive research has been conducted on the effects of GICs at high and mid-latitudes, the impact on low-latitude regions and the geomagnetic equator has remained relatively unexplored—until now.
The study analyzed ground-based magnetometer data from the Indian, American, and African sectors during 30 geomagnetic storm events between 2002 and 2024. The findings revealed that high rates of change in the magnetic field (dB/dt) can occur at equatorial regions, regardless of the storm phase. Notably, the Indian sector recorded dB/dt values as high as 95 nT/min, while the American and African sectors experienced even higher values of 154 nT/min and 120 nT/min, respectively.
“Our study shows that there are occurrences of high dB/dt values at the equatorial regions which can lead to the generation of GICs,” said Vishnupriya. “This indicates that significant longitudinal variability exists in the threat to power grids due to GICs.”
One of the most striking findings was the amplification of dB/dt values in the equatorial Indian region, reaching up to 48 times the d(SYM-H)/dt values during major storms. This amplification is attributed to the Equatorial Electrojet, a powerful electrical current that flows eastward in the daytime ionosphere above the Earth’s magnetic equator.
The research highlights the potential for significant GIC-induced effects on power grids in the Indian region, a previously understudied area. “This study brings out for the first time the possibility of significant GIC-induced effects on power grids over Indian regions,” Vishnupriya noted.
The implications of this research are profound for the energy sector. Understanding the regional variability in GIC threats can help energy providers implement more targeted and effective mitigation strategies. As solar activity continues to influence geomagnetic conditions, the findings underscore the need for robust infrastructure protection to ensure grid stability and reliability.
Looking ahead, this research could shape future developments in space weather monitoring and forecasting. By focusing on low-latitude regions, scientists and engineers can develop more accurate models and predictive tools to safeguard critical infrastructure. The study also calls for increased international collaboration to share data and best practices, ensuring a more resilient global energy network.
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the need for comprehensive space weather research has never been greater. This study serves as a crucial step toward understanding and mitigating the risks posed by GICs, ultimately contributing to a more secure and sustainable energy future.