Chameleon: Adaptation to climate change in the utility sector – analysis and development of options for business and political action | Umweltbundesamt

The project uses data from the CCLM and STAR climate models.

other parameters can be considered if necessary

The Chameleon project essentially considers impacts that may endanger the infrastructure and the operation of the transport and energy sectors. Here, the increase in extreme weather events such as storms, heavy rain and heat waves can be mentioned. These may either directly or indirectly, such as through floods, cause severe damage to the capital-intensive infrastructure of the transport and energy sectors. During heat waves, the cooling water for power plants can become scare. In addition, the long-term rise in average temperature and the increasing variability of weather conditions are considered as consequences of climate change, which companies in the two sectors should consider as future risks for their operations.

The vulnerability of the energy and transport sectors will be discussed together with the industry partners of the project. In addition, a cross-industry survey asked companies about their experiences with the effects of extreme weather events (e.g. the summer heatwave of 2003, or storm events such as 'Kyrill') on their operations, as well as their assessment of future concerns. The main subject of the survey was the level of adaptation in the two sectors. In case studies, the sensitivity and adaptive capacity of the companies will be investigated through an analysis of both in-house and external supporting and hindering factors for adaptation. In addition, the case studies serve to identify needs for action and opportunities in the companies.

Chameleon is studying and developing state and commercial adaptation measures for companies that provide public supply services in the energy and transport sector. The research group is also investigating how commercial and state action can be optimally coordinated. Generalisable adaptation strategies and instruments for companies and policy will be published in a compendium.

In addition, political frameworks are considered, such as incentive and regulatory systems that are relevant to adjustment in the sector. Industry dialogues for exchange between politics, business and science were used to identify needs and possibilities for cooperation and assistance in the development of adaptation measures.

The time horizon of the considered adaptation measures is based on the planning and maintenance cycles of the energy and transport sectors. Both sectors are characterized by infrastructure with long lifespans. Plants in the energy sector are designed with operating periods of 40-50 years, and some transport infrastructure can have a lifespan of up to 80 years. Accordingly, possible adaptation measures (e.g. for new construction or the protection of existing infrastructure) are considered for those periods.

The project addresses potential for conflict between climate adaptation measures and sustainable development/environmental protection using the example of the availability of cooling water in the energy sector. A potential conflict between security of supply and water pollution is studied.