Minutes to Meltdown: EMP and the Threat to Nuclear Power

Transcription

1 DISCLAIMER: The opinions, conclusions, and recommendations expressed or implied within are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the Department of Defense, or any other U.S. government agency. Minutes to Meltdown: EMP and the Threat to Nuclear Power Prepared by: Technology Research Team 2015 Interim Research Report 4/19/2015 1

2 Overview Introduction EMP Background 2008 Congressional EMP Commission Report Large Power Transformers Supervisory Control Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems Threat from Meltdown Interim Findings Summary 4/19/2015 2

3 Introduction Electro-magnetic Pulse (EMP) Generated by space weather (Coronial Mass Ejection (CME)) or nuclear detonation (usually at high altitude (HEMP) EMP is capable of bombarding continent size areas with charged electrons Highly disruptive and destructive to any exposed electronic devices entire U.S. infrastructure 2014 CME event/ photo courtesy of NASA 4/19/2015 3

4 2004 & 2008 Report for Congress by the Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack The electromagnetic pulse generated by a high altitude nuclear explosion is one of a small number of threats that can hold our society at risk of catastrophic consequences. Because of the ubiquitous dependence of U.S. society on the electrical power system, its vulnerability to an EMP attack, coupled with the EMP s particular damage mechanisms, creates the possibility of long-term, catastrophic consequences. Nuclear plants have many redundant and fail-safe systems, but they too are very electronically controlled. 4/19/2015 4

5 Background In 2012, a CME passed just hours from earth The CME was the most powerful in 150 years (similar to the 1859 Carrington Event) While most attention focused on potential EMP impacts on the power grid and infrastructure, none surveyed potential impacts to critical reactor cooling functions at nuclear power stations across America The risk of meltdown from EMP disruption of cooling is real and could impact multiple stations simultaneously ALPF recognizes the critical need to evaluate this issue and inform the public and regulators Earth experienced a close shave an extreme solar storm, the most powerful in as much as 150+ years. If it had hit, we would still be picking up the pieces. - Daniel Baker, University of Colorado 4/19/2015 5

6 Two Areas of Concern: LPTs and SCADA Large Power Transformers and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems could prove vulnerable to an EMP These systems are vital for proper function of nuclear power plants and cooling functions 4/19/2015 6

7 Large Power Transformers (LPTs)(LPTs) Nuclear plants require backup power to preform cold shut down of reactors Heavy reliance on outside power sources LPTs are disabled by EMP LPTs are vital to providing power to the power grid Over 2000 used across the US Only 100 produced globally per year 4/19/2015 7

8 Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems One major function of a SCADA is to provide a capability to automatically and remotely monitor a physical system. Provides ongoing reporting of voltage or currents developed in a power plant Monitoring environmental parameters such as temperature in a nuclear power plant and tripping alarms when conditions are exceeded Common SCADA Common SCADA Configuration Damage to SCADA suffered during EMP Testing 4/19/2015 8

9 Severity of Impact Interim Findings U.S. nuclear power generation stations are at risk of melt down due to lack of secondary requirements during an EMP In 2011, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) proposed station blackout mitigation to address risks As of 2015, no regulations require power redundancy in case of EMP Level of risk and impact severity on stations is based on EMP delivery mode: Increased LEVEL OF RISK Decreased Sun (naturally occurring) ICBM or SCUD Satellite (nuclear device hidden within) 4/19/2015 Aircraft (C) ALPF with 2015 nuclear device on board (i.e. airliner) 9

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11 Interim Findings Cont. The ALPF Technology Research Team will: Continue investigating potential the impacts of EMP on nuclear power plants Consult with top experts and officials in the nuclear power and research community to identify viable cost effective solutions to mitigate threats Compile findings into a comprehensive report and documentary capable of informing the public and encouraging regulators and Congress to enact practical mitigation measures Raise public awareness via publication of final report in journals and media interviews Maintain an archive of no cost research findings for public and government access 4/19/

12 Questions Summary Introduction - EMP Background Congressional EMP Commission Report - Large Power Transformers - Supervisory Control Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems - Threat from Meltdown Interim Findings Summary 4/19/

13 Minutes to Meltdown: EMP and the Threat to Nuclear Power For additional information contact: or visit Interim Research Report 4/19/