Work

Lightning strikes and buried gas pipelines: Mechanisms, risk assessment, mitigation, and case insights from the hellenic gas transmission system

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Lightning strikes pose significant challenges to buried pipelines, especially with modern coating layers, as recent incidents illustrate. While factors like buried depth and distance from lightning sources influence the impact on pipelines, precise predictions are complex due to interacting variables. Understanding the mechanisms behind lightning-induced failures remains limited. Increased driving voltage and available current during lightning strikes elevate the risk of pipeline damage, challenging assumptions about coating defense. Recent incidents on the Hellenic Gas Transmission System, involving severe pipeline damage from lightning strikes, highlight the urgent need for improved risk assessment and mitigation. This work explores the mechanisms of lightning-induced damage, the role of corrosion and coating defects, and effective protection strategies. Emphasis is placed on comprehensive cathodic protection upgrades, continuous monitoring, and key mitigation technologies such as earthing and spark gap devices.

Source: Electric Power Systems Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.epsr.2026.112809

Authors: Charalambos A. Charalambous, Andreas Dimitriou, Nikolaos Kokkinos, Nikolaos Kioupis, Theagenis Manolis

Institutions: University of Cyprus, Electricity Authority of Cyprus (Cyprus)

Language: English

Topic: Lightning and Electromagnetic Phenomena

Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,810