What does the term "grid resilience" refer to?

The concept of "grid resilience" specifically pertains to the grid's ability to recover from disruptions. This includes not only the capability to respond to unexpected events—such as severe weather, natural disasters, or cyber-attacks—but also the effectiveness in restoring power and maintaining reliable service after such incidents. A resilient grid can quickly adapt to changes and bounce back after disturbances, ensuring that essential services remain operational over time.

This characteristic is critical to uphold the stability and reliability of electric supply, particularly as modern grids face increasing challenges from both environmental factors and evolving technology demands. While maintaining power during outages and having a strong infrastructure are important elements of grid operation, resilience focuses more on the recovery process and overall adaptability in the face of challenges. Integrating renewable energy sources, while significant, also does not directly address the ability to recover, further emphasizing why the focus of grid resilience is centered on overcoming and recuperating from disruptions.