Homeland Security Protects New York City's Bright Lights
With Project Hydra Secure Super Grid
MSN reports that three distinct entities will be working together to make sure the lights on Broadway and the rest of New York City's electricity is secure: American Superconductor Corporation (AMSC), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and Consolidated Edison (Con Ed).
On May 21, 2007, AMSC announced that it signed a contract with Con Ed to develop and implement a new high temperature superconductor (HTS) power grid, a "Secure Super Grid," in midtown Manhattan.
Jay M. Cohen, the DHS' Under Secretary for Science and Technology is taking his responsibility to protect our nation's infrastructure seriously. He said, "The U.S. power grid is one of our most valuable assets, and we are taking the steps necessary - through the use of our most advanced technologies - to ensure its safety. As we saw with the August 2003 blackout and in incidents since, disruptions to the power grid have far-reaching effects and a tremendous economic impact."
Pursuant to this goal, the DHS is expected to invest about $25 million in Secure Super Grids throughout the United States. The Grids will use HTS technology to deliver more power while simultaneously suppressing power surges that cause power outages due to severe weather, accidents, terrorist attacks and other unforeseen events.
The DHS has a fitting codename for its Secure Super Grid endeavor, "Project Hydra." According to the Encyclopedia Mythica and Greek mythology, Hydra was a monster with the body of a serpent and many heads. If one head was cut off, one, or some believe two, heads would grow back in its place. Project Hydra will have multiple paths of electricity flow to ensure delivery if power is disrupted in an effort to prevent blackouts.
AMSC signed a $1.7 million with DHS on May 18, 2007, and has begun work on the project. DHS will pay $1.1 million of the $1.7 million. Con Ed will be a subcontractor to AMSC pursuant to a separate agreement. A final agreement is expected to be reached in 90 days. In all, the total project cost is estimated at $39.3 million and DHS is expected to fund over $25 million.
The time frame for Project Hydra is scheduled in two phases. Phase I, the construction of a surge-suppressing HTS cable system in New York City, is expected to be completed by the end of next year. Phase II, the completion of the first Secure Super Grid system in Con Ed's power grid in New York City is expected by early 2010. It will be in an undisclosed location for security reasons. This timetable coincides with Con Ed's pre-existing "System of the Future" grid enhancement plans.
On May 22, 2007, Newsday reported that Stephen Kurtz, Project Engineer for Con Ed said, "Initially, officials discussed testing the system in lower Manhattan. But until you prove the technology is successful, we didn't want to involve the Financial District."
Residents are not expected to experience any disruptions because the system is supplemental, according to Mr. Kurtz.
Source: MSN - http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/provider/providerarticle.aspx?Feed=BW&Date=20070521&ID=6929093
Source: Newsday -http://www.newsday.com/news/local/newyork/am-grid0522,0,4111498.story?track=rss
Published by Renee Morway
From the skyscrapers of NYC, I face strength. From the people of NYC, I gain understanding. And from the heart of NYC, I feel inspiration. So, I tend to write about the city quite a bit. View profile
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- Homeland Security
- The Secure Super Grid will prevent blackouts
- The DHS is expected to fund $25 million
- Project Hydra is named for the Greek monster Hydra
10 Comments
Post a CommentGreat and what is Homeland Security doing to protect power for the rest of us who don't happen to live in NYC?
Definately some added piece of mind. And Jacques, those visits were suppose to be hush-hush, my estranged family and all.
Yes, Dr. D, blackouts cost us a small fortune. Sweden sounds lovely. I would love to see it someday.
Zac, let's set a time to go outside and wave. :)
Aly, I hope so, too.
Jacques, I think that's a question for X-files rather than Homeland Security. I hope ET doesn't set his sights on my AC. :)
What about intrusions by extraterrestrial forces? When the last big blackout hit a few years ago, there were quite a reports of UFOs around major links to the power grid.
Good for the big Apple. I hope other cities will follow their example. Thanks for the report.
very interesting. you keep me up to date with whats going on across the river haha
See, 99% of our power lines in Sweden are underground, so we hardly ever loose power... and the one time I did a few months back during Hurricane force winds, it was only out like an hour. I know it would be costly for the US to bury them there now, but in the long run it would save them billions.