discuss climate and weather vulnerability of power supply
Answer (1)
Vulnerabilities in Power GenerationRising global temperatures reduce the efficiency of thermal power plants and lower the generation potential of renewable sources like hydropower due to altered water availability and increased water temperatures.Changes in precipitation patterns, droughts, and shifts in river flows adversely affect hydropower generation and cooling water availability for thermal and nuclear plants.Extreme weather events such as storms, heatwaves, wildfires, and floods can damage power plants directly or disrupt fuel supply chains, reducing output and reliability.Transmission and Distribution RisksTransmission lines and distribution networks, especially above-ground cables, are susceptible to damage from high winds, coastal storm surges, wildfires, floods, and ice buildup.Increased temperatures lower the carrying capacity of transmission lines, while extreme weather events frequently cause outages by physical damage to infrastructure.Flooding and storm surges can damage underground lines and supporting transport infrastructure, complicating repairs and restoration efforts.Increased Demand and System StressClimate change leads to increased electricity demand, particularly for cooling during hotter summers, which places stress on generation capacity and grid operation, heightening blackout risks.In contrast, reduced heating demand in winter may partially offset this but generally does not balance the increased cooling needs.The cumulative effect drives higher maintenance and capital costs and can cause power shortages and outages during extreme events or prolonged climate shifts.Adaptation and Resilience StrategiesPower systems must enhance climate resilience by incorporating vulnerability assessments and adopting design and operational measures such as underground cabling and improved grid management.Planning should embed climate data and projections to improve risk assessments and strengthen systems against future climate shocks.Resilience strategies reduce damage, outage duration, and recovery costs while supporting reliable power supply in more extreme climates.
