Decentralized N-1 Contingency Analysis for Cascading Failure Prediction in Multi-Region Power Systems using Consortium Blockchain

Contingency analysis plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability of interconnected power grids by identifying vulnerabilities that could lead to cascading failures and informing proactive maintenance strategies. While traditional centralized N-1 contingency analysis is effective for single-region power systems, its reliance on a central coordinator in multi-region grids introduces challenges such as communication overhead and single points of failure. This paper proposes a blockchain-based decentralized N-1 contingency analysis framework to enhance collaboration and transparency among independent operators. Utilizing a permissioned Ethereum blockchain (Geth) and smart contracts, the system facilitates decentralized contingency re-porting and automated global alarm issuance. Simulations on the IEEE 118-bus system are conducted to assess contingency analysis, identifying voltage and power flow violations, critical buses, and high-risk transmission lines under various operating conditions. Contingency reports are securely shared among system operators through blockchain, ensuring transparent coordination. Global alarms are triggered when predefined risk thresholds are exceeded, enabling timely response and improving situational awareness in multi-region power grids. By eliminating reliance on a central coordinator, the proposed approach enables parallel and scalable contingency analysis, enhancing decision-making for cascading failure prediction.