Climate change adaptation in train services by forecasting weather extremes & climate change related changes in energy supply
Abstract
Due to advancing climate change, temperature and weather conditions are changing and pose new challenges for the transport infrastructure. Therefore, ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG is intensively dealing with the effects of climate change on its facilities and operations. Two challenges of the adaptation process will be examined in more detail within the framework of this research project: The Alpine region is exposed to different meteorological phenomena. Transport infrastructure operators have the obligation to secure their facilities up to a defined design event. However, extreme weather events can extend far beyond the design events. Protective facilities can fail. Likewise, various natural hazard processes can occur simultaneously and even overlap. These situations usually mean danger to infrastructure as well as enormous economic damage. Due to global warming, an increase in extreme weather events is to be expected. In this regard, ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG operates a weather information system that serves to provide standardized forecasts, information and warnings of weather events such as heavy rain, snowfall, storms or heat. ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG operates its own power generation facilities to supply rail traffic in Austria. A large part of its own generation comes from its own hydroelectric power plants in Vorarlberg, Tyrol, Salzburg and Carinthia with catchment areas largely in the glaciated and non-glaciated Central Alps, as well as the Northern Limestone High Alps. In addition, ÖBB Infrastruktur AG is working on the expansion of photovoltaics and wind power. Changing climate and weather conditions influence the supply of renewable energy. The aim of the research project is to create a knowledge base with the help of climate models, on the basis of which transport infrastructure operators can take measures for climate change adaptation. To this end, the following research questions are to be addressed: - Development of an adapted, condensed sensor technology to improve the forecast of extreme weather events - Definition and forecasting of convective precipitation events - Development of a forecast for drought and wildfire risk - Development of a forecast for small-scale wildfire hazards - Analysis and quantification of the impact of climate change on the supply of renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro) - Forecast of expected, medium-term inflow changes in ÖBB's own storage reservoirs - Forecast of the expected, medium-term inflow changes to the run-of-river power plants - Forecast of expected generation from wind and PV
Publikationen
Project staff
Mathew Herrnegger
Dipl.-Ing. Dr.nat.techn. Mathew Herrnegger
mathew.herrnegger@boku.ac.at
Tel: +43 1 47654-81618
Project Leader
25.05.2021 - 30.06.2024
Caroline Ehrendorfer
Dipl.-Ing. Caroline Ehrendorfer
caroline.ehrendorfer@boku.ac.at
Tel: +43 1 47654-81615
Project Staff
25.05.2021 - 30.06.2024