Supporting uninterrupted operations of essential power transmission, distribution, control, and communication functions

Confidential Mission Critical Control Center

When our client was looking to eliminate single points of failure for their mission-critical systems, we were there to help.

Our team provided comprehensive design services for a backup control facility to support uninterrupted operations of essential power transmission, distribution, control, and communication functions for the client’s central energy control and data center. The facility includes a shielded supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) control center, transmission and distribution operations, and administrative offices, with the remaining space dedicated to a corporate backup data center.

From the outset, the design process prioritized critical factors for high-altitude electromagnetic pulse (HEMP) and intentional electromagnetic interference (IEMI) protection. Our team focused on identifying building areas that house essential functions and equipment required to remain operational during such events.

While a HEMP strike is not location-specific, the facility's site played a key role in mitigating IEMI risk. The design leveraged the inverse-square law, strategically placing protected areas as far as possible from potential public access points to reduce the impact of a portable IEMI device.

With the decision to integrate HEMP and IEMI protection, a collaborative effort between shielding specialists and the architecture and engineering team guided key design elements, including defining shielding boundaries, determining protected components, and identifying critical building areas. Additionally, the team refined process flow, minimizing points of entry to enhance security while maintaining operational efficiency. 

The result is a resilient facility that safeguards critical infrastructure against electromagnetic threats while supporting ongoing operations.