Analysis of vulnerabilities in China´s Southern Power System using data from the 2008 snow disaster

Early in 2008, some areas in southern China (especially Guizhou, Guangxi, Yunnan and Guangzhou Provinces) experienced extreme low temperature, heavy rain, snow, and freezing weather, which seriously damaged the power system. Based on the general disaster situation, this paper describes characteristics of local power grids in each province and the processes through which they broke down. Some detailed analysis on the potential risks and problems exposed in China´s southern power grid are discussed, focusing on the energy structures, power plant distributions, power grid structures, primary equipment, second ary equipment and emergency control mechanisms. We then sugguest some solutions to reduce the likelihood of power grid breakdown in the future, and propose ideas for future research.