Energy resilience in extreme weather events: the role of space systems
Energy infrastructures — transmission networks, substations, generation plants and gas pipelines — are exposed to high-intensity weather events whose frequency and operational impact have increased over recent cycles. Prolonged heatwaves, storms with extreme winds and fluvial or coastal flooding generate failure modes ranging from thermal degradation of high-voltage equipment to the physical disruption of terrestrial communication links. The ability to maintain supervision, coordination and time reference in these scenarios depends, to a large extent, on support infrastructures that do not share the same vulnerability vectors as the affected network. Satellite backup communications constitute a structural element in the operational continuity plans of critical infrastructure operators. When fibre-optic networks or terrestrial radio links are taken out of service by flooding or physical damage, satellite communication segments — both in geostationary orbit and in low-orbit constellations — make it possible to maintain SCADA supervision channels, coordination communications between control centres and telemetry flows from remote assets. The backup architecture must account for the differential latency between technologies, the availability of bandwidth under conditions of high simultaneous demand and the encryption requirements specific to critical infrastructure environments. GNSS-derived time and positioning references are equally relevant in this context. The time synchronisation of substations and network protection systems depends on GNSS signals for event correlation and the operation of differential protections. In the face of phenomena that may degrade signal reception — intense atmospheric interference, physical obstruction or severe multipath conditions — operators must have access to redundant time sources and signal integrity monitoring capabilities. Precision positioning techniques such as PPP also allow field assets to be georeferenced accurately for inspection and post-event restoration tasks. Earth observation from satellite platforms offers an asset monitoring capability that is operationally relevant during and after a severe weather event. Images in optical and infrared bands, together with synthetic aperture radar data — capable of operating under cloud cover — allow the condition of linear infrastructures such as high-voltage lines or gas pipelines to be assessed in flooded areas or areas with difficult ground access. This information supports the prioritisation of restoration actions and damage assessment without the need for the immediate deployment of field teams. From a regulatory perspective, the European Directive on the resilience of critical entities establishes obligations for risk analysis and continuity plans for operators in essential sectors, including the energy sector. The integration of space capabilities — communications, positioning and observation — into emergency management plans does not respond to a discretionary technological option, but to a functional requirement derived from the nature of the failure scenarios that must be considered. Coordination between infrastructure operators and space service providers must be established prior to the event, not as a reactive response.
NASSAT - Network Satellite Systems