Framework and Strategy for Enhancing Resilience of China’s Urban Power Systems under Extreme Natural Disasters

Abstract

The urban power system is a critical infrastructure that is essential for urban safety. The frequent occurrence of extreme natural disasters characterized by a low probability and high losses severely threatens the continuity of urban power supply and the overall safety of cities. Resilience is the capability of a system to withstand disturbances and rapidly return to normal operating conditions. Therefore, enhancing the resilience of urban power systems is crucial in the face of extreme natural disasters. This study provides an overview of the implications of enhancing resilience in urban power systems under extreme natural disasters, clarifying the processes by which urban power systems respond to extreme natural disasters. Subsequently, in conjunction with the challenges faced by the resilience construction of urban power systems under extreme natural disasters, key developmental elements for resilience improvement are analyzed from the information, physical, and application dimensions. Based on this, a framework for enhancing the resilience of urban power systems under extreme natural disasters is established. From the perspectives of data-driven sensing, scenario construction, response assessment, and emergency recovery, the framework dissects four critical technologies for improving the resilience of urban power systems. Furthermore, the following recommendations are proposed: (1) strengthening toplevel planning and coordinated design to upgrade power infrastructure through smart initiatives; (2) overcoming core issues and critical technologies and promoting the practical application of technological achievements; (3) enhancing standardized technical documents and establishing unified equipment configuration principles; and (4) advancing collaborative governance among diverse entities to establish an efficient emergency coordination mechanism.

Keywords

• natural disasters, urban power systems, resilience enhancement framework, urban safety