Energy

All aspects of society are dependent on accessing reliable energy sources and secure energy networks are key to ensuring economic sustainability for Scotland.

All aspects of society are dependent on accessing reliable energy sources and secure energy networks are key to ensuring economic sustainability for Scotland. Energy is a sector which by its very nature contributes significantly to the causes of climate change; yet, it is also a sector that has the potential to be considerably impacted by the changes in climate. However, there are also opportunities, driven by a low-carbon economy approach to diversify energy sources and thereby increase the resilience of the energy networks to projected changes in climate.

Key Impacts

Changes in climate may affect the capacity to generate electricity and distribute power
Projected changes to the climate may see the patterns of energy consumption altered with a decreased requirement for heating in winter but an increased demand for cooling in summer
Climate change impacts elsewhere may significantly impact global energy supply and indirectly affect Scotland
Changes in rainfall patterns and reduction in snow cover will alter availability of water resources for traditional dam storage hydro schemes
More drawdown in drier periods may limit generation
More heavy rainfall may lead to more frequent spills from dams
Extreme weather events may pose a threat to critical energy infrastructure
Overhead cables may be vulnerable to temperature fluctuations and extreme weather
Generation of energy from renewable sources may often be exposed to climate change impacts e.g. erosion and flooding.

Key Opportunities

Diversifications of energy supply may enhance energy security
As energy generation becomes more decentralised through smaller scale local and renewable sources, the vulnerability of the infrastructure may reduce

What’s happening?

Scotland’s Climate Change Adaptation Framework Energy Sector Action Plan

An Energy sector action plan is included within Scotland’s Climate Change Adaptation Framework. The plan provides an overview of the broad range of work planned over the coming years to strengthen resilience of the sector to the impacts of climate change. This plan will evolve and will be frequently updated.

More Information

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climatechange/businesses/casestudies/energy.html