Vestlandsforsking invited users and research partners to the Research Park in Oslo for the second workshop in the SusRenew project on December 3, 2024. There was great engagement related to climate impacts and how they can affect the energy system in Norway (primarily focusing on production, distribution and use of electricity).

The seminar opened with an introduction to the project from Carlo Aall (Vestlandsforsking), who presented the project goal of developing sustainable renewable energy systems with low climate risk. Stephanie Mayer (NORCE) highlighted how complex weather events such as drought and calm can weaken the energy system. At the same time, Miguel Chang (IFE) and Iva Ridjan Skov (Aalborg University) presented methods for modelling climate risk and stress testing energy systems under different scenarios.

In the seminar, we discussed challenges related to climate change and the energy system. The discussion highlighted, among other things, how extreme winds, icing and changes in wind patterns could affect wind power to an even greater extent in the future. Too much rain creates problems for hydropower, especially in Western Norway. The power grid is exposed to strong winds, vegetation, and a lack of spare parts, which makes supply security vulnerable.

The user group included representatives from the Norwegian Electric Vehicle Association, Deep Wind Offshore, the Norwegian Heat Pump Association, the Small Hydro Power Association, Samfunnsbedriftene (employer and interest organisation for municipal companies), and Vestland County Municipality. In addition, the Norwegian Electrotechnical Committee (NEK) participated.