Climate change and extreme weather events are increasingly affecting all parts of the European energy system, which will have to adapt to this new situation, warns the European Environment Agency (EEA) in a study published on Tuesday 18 June on "Adaptation challenges and opportunities for the European energy system".
According to this study, increases in mean and extreme air and water temperatures, changes in water availability, extreme climate-related events and coastal and marine hazards will affect the availability of primary energy sources - especially renewable energy sources - as well as the transformation, transmission, distribution and storage of energy, and energy demand.
While climate change can lead to a reduction in energy demand for heating - an economically beneficial effect - many impacts are negative for both the energy sector and society, such as reduced availability of cooling water for thermal power plants, lower water availability for hydropower production, increased risks for energy infrastructure in the event of extreme weather events and sea level rise.
The study shows that the impacts of climate change and the adaptation required as a result vary greatly across regions. Water availability is expected to increase in Northern Europe and decrease in Southern Europe, but with significant seasonal differences.
The EEA points out that the replacement of coal-fired power plants with solar and wind power drastically reduces greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption. It stresses that biofuels and carbon capture and storage require significant amounts of water or arable land, which can limit their expansion. It also notes that climate change can affect the potential of wind and solar energy. To consult the study: https://bit.ly/2INpSvs. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)