Thursday, April 30, 2009

Energy network infrastructure and the climate change challenge

Source: Parsons Brinkerhoff for the Energy Networks Association
"Higher average temperatures driven by climate change combined with a growing demand for air-conditioning may cause financial and supply headaches for owners of Aust's electricity grids and gas pipelines, says a consultant's report. Conversely, rising temperatures may reduce power used for heating in what are now relatively colder parts of the nation, the analysis commissioned by the Energy Networks Assoc (ENA) said. Consulting firm Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) estimated climate change could spark a $2.5bn upgrade of energy supply networks in the next five years."