Unveiling the Vulnerabilities of Power Systems Today

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Fremont, CA: Electricity's power must be proportionate to actual use, and as electric vehicle demand increases, power grid operators face challenges in balancing electricity with actual usage. 

Electricity Transmission Losses

Electricity distribution across long distances raises the temperature inside power lines, resulting in significant energy losses in the form of heat. Ultimately, these losses are borne by ordinary electricity consumers. In 2019, costs for energy transmission losses accounted for 4.57% of the final electricity price in Slovakia for households and 4% for business owners. Even though the amount of energy lost in Europe is relatively modest, around 4-5%, some countries see substantially higher numbers—for example, 19% in India and an incredible 50% in Haiti.

Frequent Power Outages

Extreme weather and worn-out electricity cables are the two typical causes of blackouts. While power outages do not occur frequently in Europe, they have already caused billions of dollars in damage in Australia and the United States. A massive blackout can damage electrical devices and cause significant data loss, in addition to halting life in impacted areas.

Electromobility

Electric cars (EVs) remain uncommon, but rapid technological advancements are increasing acceptance. However, EV charging can take a long time, and if you can't afford to spend half a day at the gas station, you must use a supercharger, which consumes an enormous amount of energy. To compare, one full charge with a supercharger is equivalent to launching 70 air-conditioning units at once. Such a rapid change in electricity demand is a significant issue for the grid.

Grid Modernization

While power lines' working lives are not infinite, and renovating or installing new ones is expensive, there is always a need to improve their capacity.

Threat of Cyber Attacks

The digitalization of the energy sector has consequences. There have already been reports of hackers infiltrating the networks of energy firms, exposing thousands of families to a controlled blackout.

Threat of Terrorist Attacks

While an attack on food or other essential supplies can cause enormous problems and panic in society, today's transportation options resolve the situation swiftly. However, the destruction of electricity lines might take significantly longer to repair.