Assessing climate risks to global energy infrastructure
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Keywords
Κλιματική αλλαγή ; Κλιματικοί κίνδυνοι ; Ενεργειακή υποδομή ; Στρατηγικοί κίνδυνοι ; Ποιοτική ανάλυση σεναρίων ; Δείκτης ND-GAIN ; Υδροηλεκτρική ενέργεια ; Ηλιακή ενέργεια ; Αιολική ενέργεια ; Δίκτυα μεταφοράςAbstract
This thesis evaluates the complex risks that climate change represents to world energy infrastructure in both physical and strategic terms. By taking a mixed-methods design, it integrates qualitative scenario analysis with quantitative indices based on datasets such as ND-GAIN, the Climate Risk Index, and records by the IEA and World Bank. The paper describes and compares vulnerability patterns in major infrastructure types,—i.e., hydropower, thermal, solar, wind, and transmission grids,—pointing up interferences between extreme events, such as heatwaves, droughts, floods, cyclones, and wildfires, that lead to compounding and cascading failure across interdependent infrastructure. Case studies of Puerto Rico, Brazil, Texas, India, and Australia offer examples of the physical consequences of a failure to adapt and institutional failure. Studies demonstrate that water-dependent and centralized energy systems are most susceptible to climate change. However, decentralized and digitally enabled options enhance resilience when supported by robust governance. Statistical correlations reveal strong relationships between environmental conditions (temperature, drought, precipitation extremes) and declines in energy performance measures. According to a regional research, Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia have the highest levels of vulnerability due to governance flaws and limited adaptive capacity. Climate risks to energy infrastructure are systemic, cross-sectoral, and geographically disproportionate, according to the report. Adaptation is a success that hinges on integrated policy environments, pinpoint resilience investments, and improved data governance to bridge the gap between scientific projections and infrastructure planning. Institutional capacity enhancement and international cooperation become fundamental enablers in the realization of sustainable, climate-resilient global energy systems.