Journal of Critical Infrastructure Policy
in a transparent , supportable figure for systemwide investment . Publicly available information is sufficient for a first-order cost estimate .
Key findings :
1 . Restoring critical functions of lifeline services following an EMP event hinges on real-time collaboration among network control centers and substations , generation plants , transmission systems , and distribution systems . Success depends on a functioning communication system at each of these installations .
2 . A resilient communication system is the lynchpin to restore the electric grid , reconstitute the critical infrastructure , and reestablish lifeline services following a catastrophic EMP event — manmade or natural .
3 . Functioning communication systems require EMP hardening for fiber transceivers , fiber amplifiers , microwave radios , and mobile radio base stations .
4 . Investments in EMP protection will also protect against other grid threats , including physical and cyberattack , because communications with long-term backup power will aid in restoration after grid collapse from multiple causes .
It is important to consider this study in the overall context of cost and benefit . The estimated total cost of these proposed solutions is approximately $ 21 billion or $ 74 per person . Alternatively , failing to invest in EMP-hardened , resilient communications for the electric grid could result in a GDP loss in the order of $ 20 trillion annually . The business case and the national security imperative for this investment are compelling .
Acknowledgements
We acknowledge the assistance of William Harris , Mary Lasky , and Henry Cooper in the research for this study . Research funding was provided by the Smith Richardson Foundation .
Acronyms and Abbreviations
DHS DOE EMP EIA ERCOT
Department of Homeland Security Department of Energy Electromagnetic Pulse Energy Information Administration Electric Reliability Council of Texas
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