A recent study highlights the impact of straight-line winds on electric power grids, revealing that windstorms pose a tangible threat to Switzerland’s electricity infrastructure. The findings underscore that aging infrastructure, combined with climate change, increases the risk to electricity supply. Importantly, the study demonstrates that national-scale modelling of windstorm risks is feasible, providing a valuable tool for infrastructure planning and policy development. This approach can also be adapted to assess other hazards, such as lightning strikes, and can support the identification of criticalities. Integrating hazard-specific risk modelling into infrastructure planning is essential for anticipating challenges and proactively enhancing the resilience of power systems.
Category: Scientific papers
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Availability of the European power system assets: What we learn from data?
A recent study analyzed the resilience of Europe’s power grid components, focusing on the availability of generators and transmission assets across countries. It found that cross-border interconnectors are particularly vulnerable, fossil and nuclear plants have lower availability, and performance varies by location and plant age. The study highlights the need to expand datasets, quantify economic impacts, and model cascading failures to improve system reliability and electricity supply security.
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Recent climate impacts on run-of-river hydropower and electricity systems planning in Switzerland
New research shows that run-of-river hydropower – responsible for a significant share of Switzerland’s renewable electricity – is declining in summer due to reduced water availability. While Alpine catchments benefit from glacier and snow melt, recent drought years (2003, 2018, 2022) caused sharp drops in production elsewhere. Expansion of infrastructure has helped maintain overall generation, but stronger investments in renewables are needed to buffer future climate risks.