#United States #Palo Alto #EPRI #Extreme Weather #Climate READi

EPRI Introduces Climate READi Framework for Power Resilience

EPRI, based in Palo Alto, California, has released the Climate READi Power Framework, a comprehensive tool designed to help the power sector assess and adapt to the increasing risks posed by extreme weather. With the rising frequency of extreme weather events, it has become crucial for the energy industry to evaluate its resilience and ensure reliable electric supply to consumers around the globe.

Initiated in early 2022, the Climate REsilience and ADaptation Initiative (Climate READi) brings together a diverse group of stakeholders, including over 40 utilities and more than 100 leading academic, consulting, finance institutions, as well as government and regulatory bodies. After three years of collaboration, the framework is now publicly accessible, providing vital resources and guidance for local and systematic assessments of climate hazards.

Three Focus Areas of the Framework

The Climate READi framework encompasses three key components:

1. Physical Climate Data and Guidance
This section offers scientifically grounded guidance to help utilities assess climate hazards and integrate relevant data into their power system modeling and analysis. This approach ensures that the electrical grid can withstand the stresses brought on by climate change.

2. Power System Asset Vulnerability Assessment
In this part, the framework examines every asset class within the electric power system to identify vulnerabilities specific to climate impacts. Enhanced understanding of these risks allows utilities to develop adequate adaptation measures.

3. System Modeling and Investment Prioritization
The final focus area presents an integrated modeling framework that factors in the influence of climate change alongside other critical operational elements, such as load growth and regulatory constraints. This integrated approach enables utilities to prioritize investments that bolster their overall resilience and sustainability.

The Urgency of the Matter

EPRI President and CEO, Arshad Mansoor, highlighted a pressing concern: “In just the past three years, there have been 70 confirmed U.S. weather and climate-related disasters, each causing losses exceeding $1 billion. The Climate READi framework provides necessary tools to mitigate these ongoing threats.”

Moreover, Steve Powell, CEO of Southern California Edison, emphasized the significance of resilience in the electrical grid as an ongoing challenge for the sector. By adopting the Climate READi framework, utilities can make data-driven decisions that not only improve resilience but also prove beneficial to their customers and communities.

Conclusion

As climate change evolves, it has never been more critical for the energy sector to strengthen its resilience against extreme weather. The Climate READi Framework positions utilities to proactively address potential vulnerabilities and develop a robust strategy for a sustainable energy future. For further insights into this framework and its implications, you can visit Climate READi Compass.

In summary, collaboration among utilities, academic institutions, and businesses is essential to pave the way toward an adaptive power system that can meet the demands of an increasingly unpredictable climate.