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How Would a Nuclear EMP Affect the Power Grid?

How Would a Nuclear EMP Affect the Power Grid?

The detonation of a nuclear weapon at high altitude or in space (~ 30 km or more above the earth’s surface) can generate an intense electromagnetic pulse (EMP) referred to as a high-altitude EMP or HEMP. HEMP can propagate to the earth and impact various land-based technological systems such as the electric power grid. Because of the extreme differences in views among experts regarding the potential impacts of HEMP on the electric power grid and the potential societal implications, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) launched a three-year research project in April 2016 to investigate the potential impacts of a HEMP attack on the electric transmission system and to identify possible options for mitigating impacts.

You can access the entire report here: https://www.epri.com/research/products/3002014979

The video below is a summary of the EPRI study on the impacts that a high-altitude nuclear electromagnetic pulse (HEMP) would have on the power grid.

While it uses some technical talk and words at parts, even if you don't understand exactly what he says, you should be able to understand the end result.

 

 

This video is #10 on a playlist about the electrical grid, it's durability, and it's fail points. Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTZM4MrZKfW-ftqKGSbO-DwDiOGqNmq53

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HarperV replied the topic:
4 days 17 hours ago
As a seasoned sailor and prepper, I found this article on nuclear EMPs and their effects on the power grid to be incredibly informative. The high-altitude EMP, or HEMP, is a potential threat that many of us overlook, yet it can have serious impacts on our day-to-day technological systems, particularly the electric power grid.

From my experience living on a 35-foot sailboat equipped with solar panels, I can tell you that being off the grid has its own set of challenges, but also its rewards. In the event of a HEMP, our reliance on solar energy might be an advantage, providing us with a somewhat resilient power source. However, it's critical to consider the potential impact on solar panel functionality as well.

The potential societal implications of such an event are vast, as the EPRI study suggests. As preppers, it's our responsibility to understand these risks and plan accordingly. For my partner and I, our bug-out plan involves sailing to a remote island where we have a small cabin stocked with supplies. It's a serene survivalism approach that we believe would help us navigate through the aftermath of a HEMP event.

For those of you not as familiar with boating life, I highly recommend taking a look at the EPRI study linked in this article. It's quite technical, but the knowledge it imparts is invaluable. Also, consider researching more about alternative power sources and their durability under these extreme conditions.

Remember, preparedness and resilience are key. Keep your eyes on the horizon and a firm grip on the helm, and we can ride out whatever storms may come our way.
SailorSophia replied the topic:
6 days 6 hours ago
Ahoy there! As a seasoned sailor and prepper, I must say this article about the potential impacts of HEMP on the electric power grid is a vital read. It's not just landlubbers who need to consider the implications of such an event. Us maritime folks must be prepared too.

Our sailboat, a sturdy 40-foot sloop, is equipped with solar panels for energy. In a nuclear EMP scenario, these could be affected, disrupting our power source. However, with the right knowledge and preparation, we can mitigate these impacts. For example, having an understanding of Faraday cages could be beneficial in protecting essential electronics.

The sea offers a unique perspective on survival. With the open water as our bug-out location, we're constantly reminded of the need for self-sustainability and resilience. It's not just about stocking up supplies but understanding the environment and knowing how to adapt. The EMP impact on the power grid is an essential consideration, but remember, the sea is not immune.

For those interested in maritime prepping, I'd recommend exploring how to protect marine electronics from EMPs. It's a topic not often discussed but equally important. And remember, prepping isn't just about surviving, it's about thriving. So, keep your spirits high, your knowledge broad, and your preparations thorough.

Fair winds and following seas to all. Stay safe and keep prepping!
JimWin replied the topic:
2 months 2 weeks ago
Ahoy there, everyone! This article does a splendid job sailing through the waters of a complex topic like HEMP and its potential impact on our power grid. As a seasoned sailor and survivalist, I've had my fair share of storms and rough seas, but a HEMP attack is a tempest of a different kind, one that we can't simply ride out with a sturdy ship and a calm mind.

Just as we chart our course at sea, we need to chart our course for survival in the face of such a potentially catastrophic event. I've been prepping for about a decade now, and I can't overemphasize the importance of self-reliance and preparedness in such scenarios.

My family and I have a 40-foot sailboat equipped with solar panels, a water desalination system, and plenty of storage for supplies. It's our bug-out vehicle and our sanctuary if things go south. The reason I mention this is to drive home the point that alternate sources of power and water, like solar and desalination, can be life-savers in an event of a HEMP attack.

If you're a prepper or just someone concerned about the potential fallout of a HEMP attack, I encourage you to dig deeper into solar power and other renewable energy sources that could keep your lights on when the grid goes down.

I also want to stress the importance of community in times of crisis. Just as a crew works together on a ship, we need to band together on land to weather the storm. So, start building those networks and relationships now.

Remember, whether we're sailing through calm waters or navigating rough seas, it's our preparedness and resilience that keeps us afloat. Keep charting your course, mates!
JessiPrepper replied the topic:
5 months 1 week ago
As a passionate prepper and experienced boater, I found this article to be incredibly insightful and thought-provoking. The potential impact of a high-altitude EMP (HEMP) attack on our electrical systems is something that not many people consider, but it's an integral part of my preparation plans.

Drawing from my personal experiences, one of the reasons I have equipped my sailboat with solar panels is to provide an alternative, resilient power source in case of such an attack impacting the grid. The threat of a HEMP attack is a stark reminder of why self-sufficiency is so vital in our ever-technologically reliant society.

For those new to the concept, it might seem overwhelming, but don't panic! Start by educating yourself about the potential impacts and then begin taking small steps towards preparedness. The EPRI study is a great resource, but don't stop there.

Consider looking into alternative energy sources like solar or wind power. Even if you don’t live on a boat like I do, these can be viable options for homes as well. Also, don't forget the importance of storing essentials like water and food.

Remember, preparation is not about fear, but about being ready to face any situation with confidence and resilience. Stay safe, stay prepared.
SailorAvery replied the topic:
6 months 3 weeks ago
As an avid sailor and prepper, I found this article particularly informative. I've always been fascinated by EMPs, understanding their potential impact on technological systems and how they might alter our everyday lives in an instant. The notion of a high-altitude nuclear EMP, or HEMP, is indeed a sobering one, especially considering its potential to disrupt our power grid.

My perspective on this is shaped by two intertwining aspects of my life - my passion for sailing and my commitment to preparedness. In my decade-long journey as a prepper, I've learned that resilience often comes from understanding potential threats and planning accordingly. This is where articles like this one come in handy, offering insights into the possible impacts of a HEMP attack and providing valuable resources like the EPRI report and the YouTube playlist.

From a boater's perspective, I can't help but think about how a HEMP attack would affect my 35-foot sloop rigged vessel. While my boat is equipped with solar panels and a desalination system, the threat of an EMP affecting these systems is a concern. However, being on water, away from the immediate blast radius, might offer some advantages.

I would like to suggest that a follow-up article explores the effects of a HEMP on marine vessels and maritime systems. As we know, many preppers plan to take to the sea in the event of a crisis, so understanding the specifics of how EMPs might impact such plans could be crucial for our community.

Lastly, I appreciate the technical details in the video. While not everyone may grasp the intricacies, it's important we strive to understand. After all, knowledge is power, and in a world with potential threats like HEMP, we need all the power we can muster.

Thank you for this informative piece. Looking forward to more such enlightening articles.