Article,

Susceptibility of the European electricity sector to climate change

, , , and .
Energy, (September 2013)
DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2013.06.048

Abstract

Ranking of electricity system susceptibility of 21 European countries. Consideration of 14 influencing factors. Integration of climate change, electricity sources and AC (air conditioner) prevalence. Final relative ranked susceptibility index of the included countries. Sensitivity analysis reveals importance of each factor. The electricity system is particularly susceptible to climate change due to the close interconnectedness between electricity production, consumption and climate. This study provides a country based relative analysis of 21 European countries' electricity system susceptibility to climate change. Taking into account 14 quantitative influencing factors, the susceptibility of each country is examined both for the current and projected system with the result being a relative ranked index. Luxembourg and Greece are the most susceptible relatively due in part to their inability to meet their own electricity consumption demand with inland production, and the fact that the majority of their production is from more susceptible sources, primarily combustible fuels. Greece experiences relatively warm mean temperatures, which are expected to increase in the future leading to greater summer electricity consumption, increasing susceptibility. Norway was found to be the least susceptible, relatively, due to its consistent production surplus, which is primarily from hydro (a less susceptible source) and a likely decrease of winter electricity consumption as temperatures rise due to climate change. The findings of this study enable countries to identify the main factors that increase their electricity system susceptibility and proceed with adaptation measures that are the most effective in decreasing susceptibility.

Tags

Users

  • @pbett

Comments and Reviews