Study: China’s high-voltage power grid could affect the atmosphere

Researchers say they have detected a particle sink in the Earth’s magnetic field linked to the world’s largest energy system. Increase in electrons could affect communications, sensitive devices and possibly contribute to a rise in thunderstorms. — SCMP

China’s ultra-high voltage power grid has created a “sink” in the Earth’s magnetic field which could stretch from the country’s southwest to the Indian Ocean, according to a study by Chinese scientists.

The particle sink – generated by a resonance between the world’s largest power grid and the ionosphere – has led to electrically-charged particles falling from space, but the researchers believe most of the energy was absorbed by the atmosphere and is unlikely to harm human health.