A climate-resilient electricity system, which has the ability to anticipate, absorb, accommodate and recover from adverse climate impacts, brings multiple benefits to electricity security. First, it reduces the potential damage and loss from climate impacts. Recent studies suggest that the benefits of resilient electricity systems are much greater than the costs in most of the scenarios considering the growing impacts of climate change. For instance, in some vulnerable countries, underground transmission and distribution cables can significantly reduce potential damage from climate impacts and save recovery costs, although they may require higher upfront outlay than above-ground systems.
Moreover, adopting climate resilience measures contributes to improved electricity access. In Zambia, where only 30-40% of the population have access to electricity, a shorter rainy season and more frequent droughts significantly limit progress towards universal electricity access by reducing hydropower generation and prompting blackouts. The adoption of climate resilience measures, such as an improved system for monitoring climate hazards and a strategy for diversifying the electricity generating mix could help Zambia ensure reliable access to power networks.
Climate resilience also facilitates clean energy transitions, enabling more electrification solutions and accelerating the transition to renewable energy technologies, which are often sensitive to a changing climate. Adoption of measures to build climate resilience is vital, especially the case in countries whose electricity infrastructure is vulnerable to changes in climate and extreme weather events.