Battling the extreme: lessons learned from weather-induced disasters on electricity distribution networks and climate change adaptation strategies

Abstract

Electricity infrastructures are critical lifeline systems that are designed to serve with a high degree of reliability the power supply of consumers under normal operating conditions and in case of common failures or expected disturbances. However, many recent weather-induced disasters have brought unprecedented challenges to the electricity networks, underlining that power systems remain unprepared to absorb disruptive large-scale and severe events. Worse still, it is expected that such climate hazards will take place at rising frequency and intensity rates due to climate change. The intensification of meteorological extremes will lead to higher losses and changes in transmission capacity, increasing the frequency and importance of material damage to the aging electric infrastructure, thus resulting in significant disruptions, cascading failures, and unpredictable power outages. This review paper presents real-life examples of different types of extreme weather incidents and their impacts on the distribution network in Greece, a country that is highly vulnerable because of its location, geomorphology, and the existing overhead network assets, highlighting lessons learned related to adaptation options and disaster management best practices. Literature review and benchmarking with other grid operators are also employed to explore resilience-enhancing technical capabilities, weatherproof solutions, and operational strategies on which policy-making initiatives should focus. HIGHLIGHTS Extreme weather case studies in Greece are analyzed to capture lessons learned.; Passive post-incident adjustment is insufficient and leads to costly repairs.; Power utilities should proactively embrace and embed grid resilience strategies.; System flexibility, network hardening, and quick recovery are key focus areas.; Best practices can be used by policy-makers to implement the bespoke adaptations.;

Keywords

• climate change adaptation
• disaster risk reduction
• electricity distribution networks
• extreme weather events
• resilience
• weatherproof network solutions