EPRI launches new initiative to address climate challenge in power industry
The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) is part of a new initiative that will bring together thought leaders and industry stakeholders to develop a common framework to address the climate challenge and its impact on the industry.
The three-year initiative — called Climate READi (REsilience and ADaptation initiative) – will enable global energy companies, climate scientists, regulators, and other stakeholders to analyze and apply climate data to inform the planning, design, and operation of resilient energy systems of the future.
As extreme weather increases in frequency and intensity, in conjunction with society’s dependence on electricity, the need for a comprehensive and consistent approach to physical climate risk assessment is an increasing imperative.
“As the world’s weather and climate are changing, so too must the energy sector’s approach to ensuring a more resilient power system,” EPRI President and CEO Arshad Mansoor said. “Proactively strengthening grid resilience against potential climate and weather impacts, now and in the future, will require unprecedented collaboration among the energy sector and its stakeholders.”
There are 13 founding Climate READi members: Alliant Energy, Ameren Corp., American Electric Power, Consolidated Edison Co. of New York, Exelon Corp., National Grid, New York Power Authority, Pacific Gas & Electric, Portland General Electric, Puget Sound Energy, Southern California Edison, Southern Company, and WEC Energy Group.
Climate READi was formally launched on April 28 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Among those in attendance were Mansoor; Stan Connally, president and CEO of Southern Company Services; Leonard Singh, senior vice president, customer energy solutions at Consolidation Edison Co. of New York; Lisa Barton, COO of American Electric Power; and Mark Peters, executive vice president for national laboratory management and operations at Battelle.
“Climate READi will provide a platform that enables us to deliver a comprehensive, consistent framework to ensure resilient energy for customers in a decarbonized future,” Connally, who chairs EPRI’s board of directors, said. “Collaboration across our industry is essential as we address evolving climate-related risk and invest in resilience on behalf of the customers and communities we are privileged to serve.”
National Grid is the first international company to join Climate READi.
“The global applications of the framework will arm energy companies like National Grid with valuable insights and capabilities to proactively strengthen and reinforce power systems against the disruptive impact of extreme weather events. We will play an active part, working closely with EPRI and sharing our experiences and expertise to help inform the framework,” David Wright, chief engineer at National Grid, said.
