The project Blackout Prevention and Intervention (BlackÖ.2) analyses how the currently excellent level of supply security can be maintained in the future. The structure and the production mix of electric energy supply systems are changing. It is estimated that the stress on grids (load and stability) will increase. Earlier research has shown that the risk of large-area blackout events for the expected higher grid loads in the future will grow, which thus implies a serious threat to public safety.
The expansion and privileged grid integration of highly volatile wind and photovoltaic facilities as well as the forecasted increases in the domestic electricity consumption and European electricity transits threaten the currently high level of supply security with electric energy in Austria.
In order to continuously guarantee supply security in the future, energy systems must be further developed according to these changed general conditions. On the one hand side, preventive measures such as the adaptation of grids to future loads and accompanying socio-economic approaches are thus necessary. On the other hand, effective interventional mechanisms and strategies for fast crisis management and for the resumption of electricity supply in the case of large-area disturbances (blackouts) are required.
Earlier research has shown that these measures are currently only insufficiently implemented. Apart from financial restrictions there are above all two causes for that:
- There is a lack of detailed quantifications of the consequences of the single potential measures to minimise the probability of large-area blackouts, which makes a selection of the most effective measures even more difficult.
- The knowledge under which circumstances the population is willing to support measures to strengthen the electricity supply security – even if the quality of life and environment is impaired – is not available in full detail.
BlackÖ.2 aims at analysing these two causes for the insufficient implementation of measures and at defining suggestions for decision makers in politics as well as for those responsible for grid stability.
Publication:
Cohen, J. J., Reichl, J., & Schmidthaler, M. (2014). Re-focussing research efforts on the public acceptance of energy infrastructure: A critical review. Energy, 76, 4-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2013.12.056
Project leader:
Dr. Johannes Reichl, Energieinstitut an der Johannes Kepler Universität Linz
Other Project or Cooperation partner
Institut für Energiesysteme und Elektrische Antriebe – TU Wien (P1)
Bundeskanzleramt Österreich (P2)
LINZ STROM Netz GmbH (P3)
Industriellenvereinigung (P4)
Energie-Control Austria (P5)
Austrian Power Grid AG (P6)
Vorarlberger Energienetze GmbH (P7)
Wien Energie Stromnetz GmbH (P8)
Cyber Security Austria (P9)
Contact
Dr. Johannes Reichl, Energieinstitut an der Johannes Kepler Universität Linz
Altenberger Straße 69
A-4040 Linz
e-mail: reichl@energieinstitut-linz.at
0732 2468 5652
www.energieinstitut-linz.at
Homepage of BlackÖ.1 and BlackÖ.2
http://energyefficiency.at/web/projekte/blacko.html