OLACDE presents a study on the impact of climate change on the energy infrastructure of Latin America and the Caribbean

In the case of photovoltaic plants, above a threshold of 25°C, if the temperature rises by 1ºC, energy production decreases by 0.66%.

The Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organization (OLACDE), in collaboration with the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) and Tecnalia Foundation, presents studies on the impact of climate change on regional energy infrastructure. While the region contributes only 8% of global CO2e emissions, its energy sector is highly sensitive to the effects of climate change. The study emphasizes the importance of increasing the resilience of Latin America and the Caribbean’s energy sector to climate change through risk analysis, infrastructure vulnerability assessment, and determination of necessary changes in system planning and operation. The vulnerability and risk of energy infrastructure to various climate variables are analyzed, from temperature changes to extreme events such as storms and strong winds. Results reveal that sensitivity and vulnerability vary by technology type and geographical location. Study conclusions underscore the importance of integrating climate risk assessment into the design and operation of energy facilities. Proposed adaptation measures highlighted include using heat-resistant technologies, managing land use to reduce erosion, and implementing enhanced prediction systems for extreme weather events. Regarding the impact on different technologies, key findings include:

1. For photovoltaic plants, if the temperature rises by 1ºC above a threshold of 25°C, energy production decreases by 0.66%.
2. For transmission lines, above a threshold of 20°C, a 1ºC temperature increase reduces transported energy by 0.4%.
3. In hydroelectric plants, a 1% decrease in flow results in a corresponding 1% drop in energy production.
4. In natural gas transportation via pipelines, temperature increases can compromise pipe integrity, reduce transmission capacity, and pose safety issues at compression stations not designed for high temperatures.
5. For agroenergy farms (biofuels), temperature changes could affect raw material productivity and corresponding energy production, depending on the crop type.

Therefore, prioritizing climate resilience in energy policies is crucial. Investments in more robust, flexible infrastructures and diversification of energy sources are essential to reduce dependence on resources vulnerable to climate fluctuations. Given the region’s high dependence on direct sources like hydroenergy, the report stresses the urgency of anticipating and mitigating climate risks to prevent potential energy crises and safeguard regional sustainability and economic stability in the coming decades. Scan the code for access to detailed study information: Department of Communication and Institutional Relations – María Josefa Corral