Power supply and power supply security measures during disasters

table of contents

Introduction
1.Importance of power supply during disasters

2. Measures to secure power supply

3. Improving local disaster prevention awareness

4. Role of national and local governments

summary

Introduction

Electricity supply during disasters is an extremely important element in the recovery of disaster-stricken areas and support for evacuees. Power outages and interruptions in the power supply caused by natural or man-made disasters can cause loss of lifeline functions, communication failures, and the collapse of the infrastructure of life. Therefore, measures to maintain power supply are essential. Below, we will explain in detail the power supply and power security measures in the event of a disaster.

 

1.Importance of power supply during disasters

1-1 Maintaining lifelines

Electricity supply is also closely related to other lifelines. For example, when a power outage occurs, water, sewage, gas supplies, and communication systems are likely to be affected as well. Particularly in critical facilities such as hospitals, emergency facilities, and evacuation centers, maintaining power is critical to saving lives. Ensuring power supply allows these lifelines to continue functioning.

 

1-2 Ensuring communication and information transmission

In the event of a disaster, it is essential to communicate information with the affected areas and related parties. Power outages and interruptions in power supply paralyze communication systems, making it difficult to receive proper instructions and information. Equipment such as communication equipment, the Internet, television, and radio depend on electricity to operate, so without electricity, information transmission will be disrupted.

 

1-3 Facilitation of rescue operations and disaster response

When a disaster occurs, rescue operations and disaster response must be carried out quickly and effectively. If the power supply is interrupted, the activities of rescue teams and related parties will be disrupted, making it difficult to rescue and evacuate disaster victims. Electricity is also needed to keep shelters and command posts functioning.

 

1-4 Maintenance of livelihood infrastructure

Electricity is an essential element in maintaining life in modern society. Even in the event of a disaster, electricity is needed for all activities in daily life, such as food preservation, cooking, heating/cooling, and lighting. If power outages are prolonged, the health and stability of residents' lives will be threatened.

 

1-5 Supporting economic activities and social reconstruction

Disruption of power supply has a significant impact on the operations of companies and businesses. Manufacturing and service industries rely on electricity to produce and provide services. Even in post-disaster social reconstruction, if power is not restored, economic activity may stagnate, leading to delays in recovery.

 

1-6 Alleviation of psychological effects

During disasters, residents' anxiety and fear increase. Maintaining power supply provides lighting and information, which can reduce the psychological impact. It is important to provide as much reassurance as possible to disaster victims.

 

 

2. Measures to secure power supply

2-1 Location of emergency generator

Emergency generators are installed to provide power during disasters. They are installed in major public facilities, hospitals, evacuation centers, police stations, etc. These facilities can maintain power supply even during power outages and play an important role in supporting disaster victims and rescue operations.

 

2-2 Use of storage battery system

A battery storage system is a device that stores electricity obtained from renewable energy sources (such as solar or wind power). Stored electricity can be supplied during power outages or when demand increases. This enables stable use of renewable energy and increases the sustainability of power supply.

 

2-3 Construction of microgrid

A microgrid is a small-scale electricity supply system that combines multiple energy sources and battery storage. In the event of a disaster, it can be operated independently and plays the role of supplying electricity to specific areas or facilities. The introduction of microgrids enables a stable supply of energy during power outages.

 

2-4 Maintenance of backup power supply

Critical infrastructure and communications facilities will have backup power supplies. The backup power supply automatically activates in the event of a power outage to maintain power supply. Backup power supplies are an important element because disruption of such facilities can have a serious impact on information transmission and relief operations in the event of a disaster.

 

2-5 Dissemination of energy saving measures

In the event of a disaster, power supply may be limited. Therefore, it is important to disseminate energy saving measures in advance. We will educate citizens about power saving and efficient energy use, and aim to make optimal use of supplied resources.

 

2-6 Utilization of dams and hydroelectric power generation

Hydroelectric power generation using dams can provide a relatively stable power supply. In the event of a disaster, proper management and maintenance of dams is important. Hydroelectric power plants are a form of renewable energy and contribute to a sustainable electricity supply.

 

3. Improving local disaster prevention awareness

3-1 Location of emergency generator

Emergency generators are installed to provide power during disasters. In the event of a power outage, this will provide power to critical facilities, evacuation centers, command centers, etc. until power infrastructure is restored. Emergency generators are set to operate automatically and quickly begin providing power the moment a power outage occurs. This makes it possible to carry out rescue operations, maintain the functions of evacuation centers, operate medical equipment, and ensure the transmission of information.

3-2 Use of storage battery system

A battery storage system is a device that stores electricity obtained from renewable energy sources. It stores surplus electricity obtained from solar power generation, wind power generation, etc. and supplies it when demand increases. This is especially useful during power outages or when the power supply is unstable. Using a storage battery system enables stable use of renewable energy and backup power.

3-3 Construction of microgrid

A microgrid is a small-scale power supply system that combines multiple energy sources (solar, wind, geothermal, etc.) with battery storage. In the event of a disaster, it can operate independently and support part of the region. Microgrids enable a more robust and reliable power supply compared to traditional centralized power supplies. It plays an important role in disaster response, especially in remote and isolated areas.

3-4 Maintenance of backup power supply

Backup power is a supplementary power source provided to major infrastructure and communications facilities. In the event of a disaster, the power supply may become unstable, so having a backup power supply in place ensures that communications, rescue operations, and information transmission are not disrupted during emergencies. Backup power sources come in a variety of forms, including diesel generators and gas turbine generators.

3-5 Dissemination of energy saving measures

In the event of a disaster, power supply may be limited. Therefore, it is important to disseminate energy saving measures in advance. By educating citizens about power saving and efficient energy use, and striving to conserve electricity, we can make the most of limited electricity resources.

3-6 Improving local disaster prevention awareness

It is also important to educate local residents so that they can take appropriate responses by conducting action plans and disaster prevention drills to prepare for power supply in the event of a disaster. Increasing awareness of disasters increases the probability of an effective response in the event of a disaster. Improving disaster prevention awareness is essential to building a cooperative system throughout the region.

4. Role of national and local governments

4-1 Formulation of disaster countermeasure plan

National and local governments formulate disaster countermeasure plans. This plan includes specific measures and action plans regarding power supply during disasters. For example, power supply and demand mapping during disasters is performed to understand how much power critical facilities and areas require. In addition, disaster response measures will be considered based on lessons from past disasters. Furthermore, it will identify areas and facilities that are likely to experience power supply disruptions and include measures to address that risk.

4-2 Budget allocation

Ensuring power supply during disasters often requires a quick response and sufficient funding. For this reason, national and local governments allocate budgets for disaster countermeasures. Expenses necessary for the development of electric power infrastructure, such as the introduction of emergency generators, maintenance of storage battery systems, and construction of microgrids, are recorded. In addition, the disaster response budget will be reviewed regularly and may be changed as appropriate depending on the situation.

4-3 Information sharing and collaboration

The national and local governments will share information related to power supply during disasters and collaborate with related parties. This includes working with power companies, telecommunications carriers, and relevant public authorities. In the event of a disaster, it is important to share information quickly and accurately. For example, information such as the power supply status, restoration progress, and requests for necessary support will be shared among relevant parties, and efforts will be made to take appropriate responses.

4-4 Securing electricity for evacuation centers and important facilities during disasters

In the event of a disaster, emergency generators and storage battery systems are installed at important facilities such as evacuation centers, command centers, and hospitals. This allows it to maintain basic functions even during power outages, contributing to support for disaster victims. In particular, maintaining power supply plays an important role in facilities such as medical institutions and evacuation centers, where life is at stake.

4-5 Recovery support and reconstruction

After a disaster, the national and local governments provide support for restoring power supply and reconstruction in the disaster area. This includes repairing and rebuilding the power infrastructure in the disaster area, reviewing power supply security measures, and introducing renewable energy. Reconstruction assistance is a long-term challenge, and the support of national and local governments is essential, as restoring power supply is essential to restoring economic activity and social life.

4-6 Formulation of energy policy

Countries formulate energy policies and establish frameworks for sustainable electricity supply. The spread of renewable energy, improvements in energy efficiency, and energy diversification will also impact the power supply during disasters. Energy policy must consider the improvement and sustainability of electricity infrastructure with a long-term perspective.

4-7 Enlightenment to improve disaster prevention awareness

The national and local governments work to raise awareness of disaster prevention and educate local residents about how to respond in the event of a disaster. The dissemination of disaster preparedness action plans and disaster prevention drills is important for building a cooperative system throughout the region. A heightened awareness of disaster prevention will lead to appropriate responses during disasters and self-help efforts of disaster victims.

summary

Power supply and power supply security measures during disasters are essential elements for maintaining social stability and protecting the lives of disaster victims. Sustainable electricity infrastructure and effective measures are needed to minimize damage during disasters.