Last week’s heatwave across Europe underscored the reality of life on the world’s fastest-warming continent. The pressure is not limited to people. Europe’s electricity grids are also feeling the strain. Eurelectric’s latest paper explores how DSOs can strengthen climate resilience, featuring case studies and six policy recommendations to help prepare Europe’s power infrastructure for future extremes.
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“Grid operators are facing a tough reality. In the coming decades, heatwaves, flooding and storms will occur with increasing frequency. Operators need to be ready. That’s why strong emergency coordination and recovery planning are just as critical as physical upgrades,” said Kristian Ruby, Secretary General of Eurelectric.
Recent events highlight the risks of underestimating these challenges. Blackouts, infrastructure damage and widespread service disruptions are already taking place.
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“Storm Éowyn in January 2025 brought record-breaking wind gusts of up to 184 km/h, causing extensive damage to electricity infrastructure. A total of 768,000 customers lost power. This was by far the most severe storm ever experienced by ESB Networks, both in terms of outages and the scale of network damage,” said Nicholas Tarrant, Managing Director, ESB Networks.
In response, ESB Networks is prioritising resilience for homes, farms and businesses across Ireland. A multi-year investment programme under Price Review 6 (2026–2030) will include upgrades to both the transmission and distribution systems. The initiative forms part of an overall €13.4 billion investment planned for the next five years.
Options for action
The challenge is significant, but solutions are advancing. The paper highlights how DSOs are already responding by:
- Mapping grid exposure and risk from climate change
- Reinforcing the resilience of lines, cables, and substations
- Establishing effective response strategies for grid restoration
One example comes from E-Distribuzione. Following a major power outage in Catania, Sicily, during the July 2023 heatwave, the company carried out a comprehensive review of its network resilience. This led to targeted investments, including the replacement of vulnerable underground medium-voltage cables with jointless, heat-resistant alternatives. The initiative now serves as a model for other operators.
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With the European Commission’s Climate Adaptation Plan expected in the second half of 2026, Eurelectric’s six policy recommendations aim to ensure that forthcoming regulations effectively support grid resilience and contribute to a climate-proof energy transition. (hcn)
You can read the full position paper here.
