Impact of Climate Extremes on Power Systems

Society has become more dependent on reliable electricity infrastructure to function normally. The ascending trend of blackouts in recent years suggests that today’s power system is becoming increasingly vulnerable to severe weather and puts an accent on an emerging issue that deals with power system resilience. Resilience, in this context, refers to the system's capacity to limit the extent, severity, and duration of service disruptions following extreme events.

To better understand and improve power system resilience, this study presents a comprehensive analysis of outage statistics in Sweden from 2007 to 2021, utilizing data from Energiföretagen Sverige. The findings reveal that approximately 26% of all outages are attributable to weather-related events, affecting nearly one-third of customers and contributing significantly to customer outage durations. These disruptions directly undermine the reliability and resilience of the power grid.

This research examines the correlation between specific weather phenomena—such as storms, heavy snowfall, and high winds—and the frequency and severity of power outages. The analysis identifies a strong connection between severe weather patterns and prolonged outages, particularly in rural and forested regions where overhead power lines are more vulnerable. By analyzing spatial and temporal patterns, this study identifies vulnerable areas within Sweden's power infrastructure and emphasizes the need for targeted resilience strategies. Proposed measures include enhanced vegetation management, infrastructure reinforcement, and the adoption of advanced grid technologies to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events. These insights contribute to developing a more robust and reliable electricity system, better equipped to withstand future climate challenges.