What type of power generation would survive an EMP?

Question

I know that an electromagnetic pulse from a nuclear blast would destroy electric wires and circuits within range. I presume this could destroy the electrical power system we all use: power plants, wiring, outlets, etc. I tried to think if there was any power generation system that didn't rely on vulnerable electric components, but the only thing I could think of was natural gas--but that wouldn't power a radio or TV. What could replace electricity?

Answer 1

An EMP would only fry circuits and not have any effect on wires and other infrastructures. After the circuits were replaced the "grid" would be back up and running. Any very simple gasoline engine without electronic fuel injectors or any of the other modern additions would still run. The radius of an EMP is limited so it would take multiple nuclear explosions to knock the whole grid offline. There are special electronics made to withstand an EMP but they are primarily military-based and very expensive to the average person.

Answer 2

Diesel generator with a manual starter.
Diesels work by detonating the fuel through pressure & not spark. Hense there are little if any electronics on a diesel generator.
The starter coil should be fine after an EMP, but a magneto (old fashioned Motorcycle starter) is even better.

Answer 3

Natural gas could be converted to electricity by using a fuel cell but the question is, what would you use it for since almost any electronic device would be toast from the pulse? Maybe they would survive if they were stored in a metal box sometimes called a Faraday cage.

Answer 4

equipment which is considered "hardened". And nothing can replace electricity. Our communications structure is protected in many critical areas but how I dont know and the ones who do cannot tell you. Also understand that it would be more advantageous for an enemy to use our communications against us by hacking our systems than to use nuclear weaponry.

Answer 5

Only small, delicate circuits are going to get fried, the same way a momentary power surge might fry your motherboard but isn't likely to blow out your desk lamp. Power *generators* definitely would not be affected (unless you count the control computers).

Answer 6

methane gas...
you can get that from like farts and stuff