Here is another unexpected challenge climate change is about to face us with: power cuts as a consequence of droughts. Researchers from the Leiden University warn of the vulnerability of the European energy sector to changes in water resources, which is set to worsen by 2030 as a consequence of climate change.
Thermoelectric power stations—including coal, gas, and nuclear plants—use significant amounts of fresh water for cooling purposes. A large gas power station can use an Olympic-sized swimming pool of water per minute, a press release by Leiden University reads. A changing climate will bring about more and longer lasting droughts in certain parts of Europe. Lack of sufficient cooling water may force power plants to close down, threatening the energy supply.
1,300 power plants analyzed
Led by Dr. Paul Behrens, a team of Leiden University researchers analysed over 1,300 power stations, drawing water from 818 different water catchments, the press release continues. Their research, to be published in Nature Energy this month, showed that the number of regions with a vulnerable electricity network due to water availability will increase significantly by 2030.
Furthermore, many new power stations are planned for construction next to bodies of water that are already under pressure. The research showed that the areas at future risk of shortages lie mainly in the Mediterranean region: Spain, Italy, Southern France, and Greece. However, areas along the Rhine in Germany, Bulgaria and Poland will also face increasing pressure on their electricity production.
Adaptation needed
Behrens suggests that the energy sector has to start adapting to the new circumstances that are foreseen. The sector has to invest in transforming to cooling with seawater where possible, or better, in renewable energy sources like wind and solar. ‘This will help reduce the reliance of the electricity supply on water, and will also help us achieve our climate goals,’ Behrens says.
WDCD Climate Action Challenge
Any ideas that may help tackle this problem? Then you might want to enter them to the WDCD Climate Action Challenge, which is open to receive proposals until 24 September 2017.