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| topics:resilience [2026/03/19 23:33] – Status updated to review admin | topics:resilience [2026/04/24 09:27] (current) – vso_vso | ||
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| - | <WRAP catbadge> | + | <WRAP catbadge> |
| - | </ | + | |
| ====== Resilience ====== | ====== Resilience ====== | ||
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| lead-authors: | lead-authors: | ||
| contributors: | contributors: | ||
| - | reviewers: | + | reviewers: |
| version: 3.0 | version: 3.0 | ||
| updated: 16 March 2026 | updated: 16 March 2026 | ||
| sensitivity: | sensitivity: | ||
| - | ai-use: Claude Sonnet 4.6 (Anthropic) | + | ai-use: Claude Sonnet 4.6 (Anthropic) |
| + | status: in-review | ||
| </ | </ | ||
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| Resilience refers to the performance and evolution of energy systems under disruptions, | Resilience refers to the performance and evolution of energy systems under disruptions, | ||
| </ | </ | ||
| + | |||
| ===== Why this matters ===== | ===== Why this matters ===== | ||
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| An acute example is the April 2025 Iberian blackout that collapsed the entire Spanish-Portuguese system within seconds. Technically mature renewable installations were operating without grid-forming inverter capabilities, | An acute example is the April 2025 Iberian blackout that collapsed the entire Spanish-Portuguese system within seconds. Technically mature renewable installations were operating without grid-forming inverter capabilities, | ||
| - | The number of actors involved in system operation is growing, and the coordination required to manage disruptions cuts across technical, regulatory, and governance domains. | + | The number of actors involved in system operation is growing, and the coordination required to manage disruptions cuts across technical, regulatory, and governance domains. Smart grid transitions redistribute where resilience sits in the system. Distributed generation and storage shift some resilience functions from central infrastructure to the grid edge, where households, communities, |
| - | Smart grid transitions redistribute | + | <WRAP callout> |
| + | Smart grid transitions redistribute resilience | ||
| + | </ | ||
| - | ===== A shared definition | + | ===== Shared definitions |
| Resilience in energy systems encompasses the capacity to anticipate, withstand, respond to, and recover from disruptions while developing and transforming over time to maintain core functions. Two dimensions structure the concept. The first concerns disruptions: | Resilience in energy systems encompasses the capacity to anticipate, withstand, respond to, and recover from disruptions while developing and transforming over time to maintain core functions. Two dimensions structure the concept. The first concerns disruptions: | ||
| + | |||
| + | <WRAP tablecap> | ||
| + | **Table 1.** Four resilience capacities and their smart grid expressions. | ||
| + | </ | ||
| ^ Capacity ^ What it involves ^ Smart grid examples ^ | ^ Capacity ^ What it involves ^ Smart grid examples ^ | ||
| - | | Absorptive | Withstanding shocks without loss of core function through redundancy, robustness, and rapid response | Redundant communication paths, fault-tolerant grid design, ruggedised critical components | | + | | **Absorptive** | Withstanding shocks without loss of core function through redundancy, robustness, and rapid response | Redundant communication paths, fault-tolerant grid design, ruggedised critical components | |
| - | | Adaptive | Adjusting system configuration and operation in response to changing conditions, maintaining function through flexibility | + | | **Adaptive** | Adjusting system configuration and operation in response to changing conditions | Demand response programmes, flexible grid topologies, updated operating procedures, decentralised generation | |
| - | | Transformative | Reconfiguring system architecture when existing arrangements cannot absorb or adapt to the scale of disturbance | + | | **Transformative** | Reconfiguring system architecture when existing arrangements cannot absorb or adapt | Restructuring grid infrastructure and regulatory frameworks, transitioning to distributed architectures | |
| - | | Anticipatory | Identifying future risks and preparing responses before disruptions materialise | Climate impact modelling, scenario-based grid planning, horizon scanning, blackout preparedness exercises | | + | | **Anticipatory** | Identifying future risks and preparing responses before disruptions materialise | Climate impact modelling, scenario-based grid planning, horizon scanning, blackout preparedness exercises | |
| These capacities interact. Anticipation informs investment in absorption and adaptation, while timely adaptation may ease the deeper reconfigurations that transformation requires. A resilient system draws on all four, weighted according to the threats it faces and the time horizon it plans for. | These capacities interact. Anticipation informs investment in absorption and adaptation, while timely adaptation may ease the deeper reconfigurations that transformation requires. A resilient system draws on all four, weighted according to the threats it faces and the time horizon it plans for. | ||
| + | |||
| + | <WRAP tablecap> | ||
| + | **Table 2.** Key operational and governance terms in resilience. | ||
| + | </ | ||
| + | |||
| + | ^ Term ^ Definition ^ | ||
| + | | **Black start capability** | The ability of a power system or generation unit to restart without relying on external electricity supply, a key function following a complete system blackout.((Panteli, | ||
| + | | **Grid-forming inverter** | An inverter that establishes its own voltage and frequency reference, enabling it to support grid stability independently rather than synchronising to an existing grid signal.((ENTSO-E Expert Panel. (2025). //Grid incident in Spain and Portugal on 28 April 2025: Factual report (Phase 1)//. ENTSO-E. https:// | ||
| + | | **Islanding** | The ability of a portion of the distribution network or a microgrid to disconnect from the main grid and operate independently during a wider system disruption, maintaining local supply to critical loads.((Panteli, | ||
| + | | **Defence plan** | A coordinated set of automatic protection actions, including load shedding and controlled system separation, designed to arrest cascading failures and preserve as much of the system as possible during severe disturbances.((ENTSO-E Expert Panel. (2025). //Grid incident in Spain and Portugal on 28 April 2025: Factual report (Phase 1)//. ENTSO-E. https:// | ||
| + | | **Preparedness** | The ability to anticipate risks, plan strategically, | ||
| ===== Perspectives ===== | ===== Perspectives ===== | ||
| - | How resilience plays out in practice depends on who is responsible for it, what technical capabilities are in place, and which rules govern how actors respond. | + | How resilience plays out in practice depends on who is responsible for it, what technical capabilities are in place, and which rules govern how actors respond. |
| <WRAP perspectives> | <WRAP perspectives> | ||
| ==== Actors and stakeholders ==== | ==== Actors and stakeholders ==== | ||
| - | System operators carry primary responsibility for operational resilience, but as grids become more decentralised, | + | System operators carry primary responsibility for operational resilience, but as grids become more decentralised, |
| <WRAP case> | <WRAP case> | ||
| - | **Japan | + | **Japan |
| The systemic response to the 2011 disaster involved multiple actor groups: utilities restructured generation portfolios, regulators overhauled safety and market rules, municipalities developed local energy resilience plans, and households adjusted consumption patterns. The 7th Strategic Energy Plan, adopted in February 2025, continues to place energy security alongside decarbonisation as a core policy pillar.((Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan. (2025). //7th Strategic Energy Plan//. METI. https:// | The systemic response to the 2011 disaster involved multiple actor groups: utilities restructured generation portfolios, regulators overhauled safety and market rules, municipalities developed local energy resilience plans, and households adjusted consumption patterns. The 7th Strategic Energy Plan, adopted in February 2025, continues to place energy security alongside decarbonisation as a core policy pillar.((Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan. (2025). //7th Strategic Energy Plan//. METI. https:// | ||
| </ | </ | ||
| - | |||
| <WRAP case> | <WRAP case> | ||
| - | **Puerto Rico — post-hurricane grid reconstruction** \\ | + | **Puerto Rico -- post-hurricane grid reconstruction** \\ |
| Rebuilding the electricity system after Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 involved federal agencies, the utility PREPA, municipal governments, | Rebuilding the electricity system after Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 involved federal agencies, the utility PREPA, municipal governments, | ||
| </ | </ | ||
| - | |||
| <WRAP case> | <WRAP case> | ||
| - | **Bangladesh | + | **Bangladesh |
| Communities in coastal areas have worked with NGOs and government agencies to develop resilient off-grid solutions that withstand frequent cyclone exposure, demonstrating that resilience building in resource-constrained settings depends on local actor capacity as much as technology.((International Renewable Energy Agency. (2016). // | Communities in coastal areas have worked with NGOs and government agencies to develop resilient off-grid solutions that withstand frequent cyclone exposure, demonstrating that resilience building in resource-constrained settings depends on local actor capacity as much as technology.((International Renewable Energy Agency. (2016). // | ||
| </ | </ | ||
| - | |||
| ==== Technologies and infrastructure ==== | ==== Technologies and infrastructure ==== | ||
| - | System architecture, how technical components are arranged and how they interact, is a major factor in a grid's resilience. Wide-area monitoring provides situational awareness during disturbances. Advanced distribution management systems enable rapid reconfiguration after faults. Microgrids with islanding capability allow critical facilities to maintain power during wider outages. Redundancy in communication networks ensures that monitoring and control functions survive localised failures. What distinguishes resilient architecture from robust architecture is the capacity not only to withstand shocks but to reconfigure in response to them. | + | System architecture |
| <WRAP case> | <WRAP case> | ||
| - | **Australia | + | **Australia |
| Following the September 2016 statewide blackout, the South Australian government and AEMO implemented a coordinated response including the Hornsdale Power Reserve, updated frequency control requirements, | Following the September 2016 statewide blackout, the South Australian government and AEMO implemented a coordinated response including the Hornsdale Power Reserve, updated frequency control requirements, | ||
| </ | </ | ||
| - | |||
| <WRAP case> | <WRAP case> | ||
| - | **Spain and Portugal | + | **Spain and Portugal |
| The loss of approximately 15 GW of generation within five seconds revealed how inverter-based renewable plants operating in fixed-power-factor mode contributed to cascading failure. The ENTSO-E factual report identified excessive voltage as the probable trigger, with plants disconnecting automatically to protect equipment rather than actively supporting the grid.((ENTSO-E Expert Panel. (2025). //Grid incident in Spain and Portugal on 28 April 2025: Factual report (Phase 1)//. ENTSO-E. https:// | The loss of approximately 15 GW of generation within five seconds revealed how inverter-based renewable plants operating in fixed-power-factor mode contributed to cascading failure. The ENTSO-E factual report identified excessive voltage as the probable trigger, with plants disconnecting automatically to protect equipment rather than actively supporting the grid.((ENTSO-E Expert Panel. (2025). //Grid incident in Spain and Portugal on 28 April 2025: Factual report (Phase 1)//. ENTSO-E. https:// | ||
| </ | </ | ||
| - | |||
| <WRAP case> | <WRAP case> | ||
| - | **Denmark | + | **Denmark |
| The EcoGrid EU project tested whether a distribution network with high wind penetration could operate in islanded mode, providing evidence on technical resilience capabilities for isolated systems dependent on variable generation.((EcoGrid EU. (2016). //EcoGrid EU: A prototype for European smart grids. Final report//. http:// | The EcoGrid EU project tested whether a distribution network with high wind penetration could operate in islanded mode, providing evidence on technical resilience capabilities for isolated systems dependent on variable generation.((EcoGrid EU. (2016). //EcoGrid EU: A prototype for European smart grids. Final report//. http:// | ||
| </ | </ | ||
| - | |||
| ==== Institutional structures ==== | ==== Institutional structures ==== | ||
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| <WRAP case> | <WRAP case> | ||
| - | **United Kingdom | + | **United Kingdom |
| The RIIO-ED2 regulatory framework includes specific output targets for network resilience, including flood protection and overhead line undergrounding in high-risk areas, linking operator revenue directly to measurable resilience performance.((Ofgem. (2022). //RIIO-ED2 final determinations// | The RIIO-ED2 regulatory framework includes specific output targets for network resilience, including flood protection and overhead line undergrounding in high-risk areas, linking operator revenue directly to measurable resilience performance.((Ofgem. (2022). //RIIO-ED2 final determinations// | ||
| </ | </ | ||
| - | |||
| <WRAP case> | <WRAP case> | ||
| - | **Nigeria | + | **Nigeria |
| The institutional separation of generation, transmission, | The institutional separation of generation, transmission, | ||
| </ | </ | ||
| - | |||
| <WRAP case> | <WRAP case> | ||
| - | **Chile | + | **Chile |
| - | Institutional arrangements for protecting electricity infrastructure against seismic and climate-related hazards reflect the country' | + | Institutional arrangements for protecting electricity infrastructure against seismic and climate-related hazards reflect the country' |
| </ | </ | ||
| - | |||
| </ | </ | ||
| - | |||
| - | ===== Key terms ===== | ||
| - | |||
| - | ^ Term ^ Definition ^ | ||
| - | | **Black start capability** | The ability of a power system or generation unit to restart without relying on external electricity supply, a key operational function following a complete system blackout.((Panteli, | ||
| - | | **Preparedness** | The ability to anticipate risks, plan strategically, | ||
| - | | **Grid-forming inverter** | An inverter that establishes its own voltage and frequency reference, enabling it to support grid stability independently rather than synchronising to an existing grid signal. Systems with high shares of inverter-based generation require grid-forming capability for voltage control and black start.((ENTSO-E Expert Panel. (2025). //Grid incident in Spain and Portugal on 28 April 2025: Factual report (Phase 1)//. ENTSO-E. https:// | ||
| - | | **Islanding** | The ability of a portion of the distribution network or a microgrid to disconnect from the main grid and operate independently during a wider system disruption, maintaining local supply to critical loads.((Panteli, | ||
| - | | **Defence plan** | A coordinated set of automatic protection actions, including load shedding and controlled system separation, designed to arrest cascading failures and preserve as much of the system as possible during severe disturbances.((ENTSO-E Expert Panel. (2025). //Grid incident in Spain and Portugal on 28 April 2025: Factual report (Phase 1)//. ENTSO-E. https:// | ||
| - | |||
| ===== Distinctions and overlaps ===== | ===== Distinctions and overlaps ===== | ||
| <WRAP distinction> | <WRAP distinction> | ||
| - | **Resilience vs. reliability** \\ | + | **Resilience vs reliability**\\ |
| Reliability concerns continuous electricity supply under normal operating conditions and foreseeable contingencies. Resilience concerns the system' | Reliability concerns continuous electricity supply under normal operating conditions and foreseeable contingencies. Resilience concerns the system' | ||
| </ | </ | ||
| <WRAP distinction> | <WRAP distinction> | ||
| - | **Resilience vs. preparedness** \\ | + | **Resilience vs preparedness**\\ |
| Resilience describes the capacity to withstand, adapt to, and recover from disruptions. Preparedness describes the ability to anticipate risks and coordinate responses before disruptions materialise. A system can be resilient in its technical design while underprepared institutionally. The 2025 Iberian blackout illustrated this gap: renewable installations met technical performance standards individually, | Resilience describes the capacity to withstand, adapt to, and recover from disruptions. Preparedness describes the ability to anticipate risks and coordinate responses before disruptions materialise. A system can be resilient in its technical design while underprepared institutionally. The 2025 Iberian blackout illustrated this gap: renewable installations met technical performance standards individually, | ||
| </ | </ | ||
| - | |||
| ===== Related topics ===== | ===== Related topics ===== | ||
| - | {{tag>Flexibility Institutions | + | [[topics: |
| + | ===== Topic notes ===== | ||
| - | ===== References ===== | + | Source flags: Nigeria case and Chile case both lack citations, need to add sources. |
| + | ~~DISCUSSION~~ | ||