Compound Energy Droughts in the Mediterranean: A Co-Design Approach to Climate-Resilient Renewable Planning

Rizos-Theodoros Chadoulis (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki)

Tuesday 18th November 15:00-16:00
Maths 116

Abstract

The Mediterranean basin is a climate change hotspot where increasing renewable energy deployment coincides with growing variability in solar and wind resources. A key emerging challenge is the occurrence of compound energy droughts—periods when low irradiance and weak winds overlap, causing sustained drops in renewable energy generation and heightened vulnerability in power systems. This presentation draws on the E-DREAM Demonstration Case (Energy Droughts and Resource Energy Assessment in the Mediterranean), which employs Copernicus CAMS and C3S datasets to quantify the duration, frequency, and intensity of such events across the region. Developed through a co-design process with grid operators, energy authorities, and research institutions, E-DREAM translates climate and Earth observation data into actionable insights for planning, adaptation, and risk assessment. By combining data-driven analysis with stakeholder engagement, the initiative aims to enhance the understanding of renewable energy variability and strengthen resilience pathways for the Mediterranean’s transition to sustainable energy.  The Destination Renewable Energy (DRE) Service—a use case of the European Commission’s Destination Earth initiative—will also be presented in this context. DRE provides solar and wind assessment and forecasting based on CAMS, ERA5, and Digital Twin data, offering complementary operational capabilities to E-DREAM that support climate-resilient energy planning and system reliability across Europe.

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