Green week session 3: Warmer, wetter and wilder Impact of climate change on Europe’s energy markets

As Europe’s energy systems become increasingly reliant on weather-dependent sources like wind, solar, and hydropower, the intensifying effects of climate change are introducing new uncertainties. Warmer temperatures, wetter conditions, and more frequent extreme weather events are reshaping the landscape of energy production and transmission. In this session, we’ll explore how these changing weather patterns are affecting Europe’s energy infrastructure, output, and reliability — posing both challenges and opportunities.

This discussion will delve into the practical implications of a "warmer, wetter, and wilder" climate, focusing on the ways climate change is directly impacting the energy markets and what adaptations are necessary to build resilient, sustainable systems for the future.

Key topics:

• Effects of extreme weather on hydropower, wind, and solar energy output.

• Climate change challenges to traditional energy infrastructure (e.g. nuclear cooling).

• Case studies on infrastructure disruptions and adaptations.