Impacts of a multi-hazard compound extreme event on power systems and implications for future research

As China accelerates energy transition to achieve its dual-carbon goals, the power system increasingly faces challenges arising from compound extreme events. In this context, multi-hazard compound extreme events (MHCEs) involving three or more hazards have received limited attention. An MHCE involving gale, dust storm, cold surge, heavy rain and heavy snow occurred in China between 11 and 13 April 2025. Its impacts on the power system are quantified in this study. On the supply side, gale conditions increased the wind power output by 45.8% relative to the pre-event level across six power grids, with peak increase exceeding 200% in the Central and East Grids on 12 April. In contrast, dust, rainfall and snow jointly suppressed solar photovoltaic generation by 19.3%, with the largest reduction (72.8%) in the Northeast Grid on 12 April. On the demand side, disruptions to agricultural and service-sector activities reduced electricity demand by 1.8%. On the infrastructure and transmission side, damage to photovoltaic facilities and transmission infrastructure caused power outages affecting more than 1.35 million households. These widespread impacts highlight the limited understanding of such events and the methodological gaps in assessing the risks posed by MHCEs to the power system. Building on this case, the following research framework is proposed: (1) systematic identification of MHCEs based on integrated meteorological and power system data; (2) strengthened disaster risk management through improved risk assessment models, forecasting systems and emergency response; and (3) adaptation strategies including demand-side response, inter-regional coordination, energy storage deployment and operational flexibility of thermal power. This study underscores the need for future power system development to account for the impacts of MHCEs, which can enhance operational security, long-term reliability and resilience.