Ofgem has agreed that swift action is needed to ensure the electricity system is robust against ‘space weather’, and has decided to treat changes in the Grid Code to prepare for such an event as ‘urgent’.
‘Space weather’ refers to solar activity, which can create cosmic rays bursts with the potential to affect equipment on earth and in orbit. The National Energy System Operator (NESO), has been exploring the effects of space weather events on the electricity system and discussions around a planned Space Weather Industry Protocol (SWIP) found that some generators and interconnectors might change the operational status of equipment they think could be at risk, if an event occurred. This could potentially lead to a shortfall in supply and system instability, but current information processes are too slow to allow NESO to manage the situation.
NESO noted that space weather events are more likely two to three years after a solar activity maximum, which was in 2024, making this a higher risk period.
The ‘urgent’ status means the potential rule change will be assessed and considered by the end of October, and any changes will be implemented ten days later.