1. Increasing resilience of Latin America’s energy infrastructure is crucial for managing climate change impacts, according to a study by OLADE, AECID, and Tecnalia Foundation.
2. Different types of energy technologies and geographic locations have varying levels of sensitivity and vulnerability to climate change effects.
3. Measures to increase resilience include using more heat-resistant technologies, land use management practices, and improved prediction systems for extreme weather events, especially for hydropower-dependent energy sources in the region.
Increasing the resilience of Latin America’s energy infrastructure in the face of climate change is a critical issue, as highlighted in a report by OLADE in collaboration with AECID and the Tecnalia Foundation. The study reveals that different types of energy technologies are sensitive and vulnerable to climate impacts, with changes in temperature and wind speed affecting energy transport and production capacity.
For instance, a rise in temperature can lead to a decrease in energy transported through transmission lines or output from solar PV and combined cycle plants. Furthermore, an increase in wind speed can enhance transmission capacity and energy output for wind generation. However, extreme weather events can pose safety risks and compromise the integrity of gas transmission facilities.
The report emphasizes the importance of conducting climate risk assessments for energy infrastructure, both during the design phase and throughout operation. By identifying vulnerabilities and implementing adaptation measures such as heat-resistant materials and improved prediction systems, the resilience of energy facilities can be enhanced. Given the region’s heavy reliance on direct energy sources like hydropower, proactive measures to address climate impacts are crucial.