Project ‘SWIMIC’: a geomagnetically induced current monitoring service for the Scottish Power Grid

Geomagnetically induced currents (GIC), occurring as a result of space weather and geomagnetic storms, can pose problems for the secure and safe operation of electrical power grids and oil/gas pipelines. We describe the current status of a British Geological Survey project, part funded through the ESA ‘Pilot Project’ program, to develop a web-based GIC monitoring and analysis tool for the Scottish part of the UK power grid. This tool provides near real time data for monitoring the growth and development of geomagnetic storm variations and the resulting changes in GIC levels throughout the grid. Forecasts of geomagnetic storms up to three days ahead are also made available through the tool and an automated solar wind shock detector offers advance warning of storm and GIC commencement. We discuss the accuracy of the various models embedded in the tool and describe some likely future developments. A public access version of the web tool is also available.