Electrical system from Pypsa-eur.

As experts in sustainable energy solutions, IREC is working on two transformative EU initiatives: the LOCALISED Project, focused on localized decarbonisation strategies, and ICARIA (Improving ClimAte Resilience of crItical Assets), dedicated to safeguarding critical infrastructure from climate threats. In this regard, within ICARIA,  IRECa ims to evalaute and ensure resilience of Europe’s energy networks can withstand escalating hazards like wildfires, floods, and extreme winds.

ICARIA project

ICARIA is a Horizon Europe-funded project that employs cutting-edge methodologies to assess risks to energy grids, water networks, and transport. Our role at IREC focuses on the electricity sector, where we analyze climate impacts on power infrastructure and design actionable resilience strategies.

ICARIA Use Cases: Assessing Climate Risks

In order to achieve the results, we’ve developed a robust methodology to assess climate risks to energy grids. Our approach involves:

1. Data collection: Gathering historical climate data, such as temperature and precipitation records.
2. Climate models and forecasting: Using climate models to predict future climate scenarios, including the potential for extreme weather events.
3. Risk assessment: Evaluating the vulnerability of power infrastructure to these climate risks.

This methodology has been applied into two different use cases in Austria and Greece, which also consider different extreme events such as wildfires and windstorms.

Fire risk on Rhodes island.

Rhodes Island, Greece: Wildfire Risk to Overhead Power Lines

Our analysis in Rhodes focused on quantifying wildfire risks to overhead electricity infrastructure under different climate scenarios. We used a combination of historical Fire Weather Index (FWI) data and future climate projections to map fire risk across the island.

To assess vulnerability, we evaluated the proximity of power lines to natural vegetation (a fuel source) and roads (potential ignition points). Our results showed that 50.34% of Rhodes’ overhead network (87.82 km) faced a high combined risk, prioritizing these segments for upgrades like fire-resistant materials or vegetation clearance.

Wind speed predictions on Salsburg.

Salzburg, Austria: Windstorm Impacts on Power Infrastructure

In Salzburg, we evaluated wind-driven risks to transmission lines and towers in alpine regions. Our analysis focused on wind speed predictions and their alignment with infrastructure fragility thresholds.

We used a Triangular Irregular Network (TIN) model to interpolate wind data across the region, generating raster layers of predicted wind speeds. Our results showed that while current wind gusts are below critical thresholds, proactive resilience measures are necessary to ensure the grid remains robust against future wind extremes.

Why the work in ICARIA Matters

Our findings in Rhodes and Salzburg highlight the urgent need for utilities to allocate resources efficiently, balancing safety, cost, and reliability. By addressing climate risks proactively, we can:

1. Reduce power outages: Minimize disruptions to energy supply.
2. Protect infrastructure: Prevent damage to power lines and towers.
3. Ensure grid resilience: Maintain a stable and reliable energy network.

ICARIA’s work in assessing climate risks to energy grids is crucial for building resilience against climate change leading to recommendations and planning. Our technical expertise and regional focus enable us to provide actionable recommendations for utilities and policymakers to minimize such risks. By working together, we can ensure Europe’s energy networks remain secure, efficient, and sustainable for generations to come.

On 30 May 2025, from 12:00 to 13:00 CEST, we are organising an insightful webinar in collaboration with CMCC, highlighting two innovative tools developed within LOCALISED to support local businesses in their transition toward decarbonisation and sustainability.

Nadia Soledad Ibañez Iralde, Architect Researcher at the Energy Research Center of Catalonia (IREC) and Giorgio Coppola, Researcher at EIEE-CMCC Institute will present:

• The LOCALISED Sustainable Business Model Canvas (LSBMC) –Designed by the Institute for Energy Research of Catalonia (IREC). A tool designed to help analyse and transform business models to align them with sustainable development. Based on an Excel-like structure, the tool allows businesses to identify barriers, detect opportunities and evaluate practical indicators to advance towards decarbonisation.
• The Net Zero Business Consultant (NZBC) – Developed by the CMCC Foundation in collaboration with Assalombarda, which is a tool that allows local businesses of the transport, agriculture and manufacturing sector to assess their risk and vulnerability to the transition.

To illustrate the practical use and impact of these tools, the webinar will include a live case study, demonstrating how they can be applied to drive meaningful and measurable change.

A new study developed in the context of LOCALISED and published in Energy Research & Social Science provides a novel, comprehensive, and spatially explicit analysis of the energy poverty risk of households due to a forced transition to low-carbon lifestyles.

By integrating indicators related to energy systems, food security, household lifestyles, and broader socioeconomic factors, the study assesses the risk of households facing energy poverty using the newly developed Heat-or-Eat Risk Index (HERI). The HERI provides insights into the heat-or-eat-dilemma – a well-documented condition that puts households in a difficult situation of reducing energy services or nutrition to fulfil their basic needs. Developed as a multidimensional approach, the study maps how households are exposed to unjust side effects of the energy transition. This mapping identifies European regions where certain populations are at greater risk of experiencing energy poverty due to competing pressures in the energy and food domains.

The paper introduces the framework to better assess the justice of mitigation measures by offering a detailed, reproducible, and transferable methodology to guide targeted interventions and policy support. At a time of rising energy prices and economic uncertainty, the study provides crucial evidence for strengthening social resilience and enabling more just energy transitions.

This new resource is set to play a key role in informing more equitable climate and social policies across Europe.

Designed by Freepik

Are you interested in testing a new, state-of-the-art climate action planning tool? In our LOCALISED project we have been developing the Climate Action Strategiser (CAST) over the last three years, together with a range of stakeholders from European cities and regions,  and soon it will be ready for testing. To make sure it meets your professional needs in local/regional climate planning, we would be grateful for your valuable feedback!

WHAT IS THE CAST?

The LOCALISED Climate Action Strategiser is a free, web-based climate action planning tool for European regional and local administrations. It translates national climate action roadmaps to the local level and provides relevant knowledge to support administrations and policy makers in becoming driving forces on the road to climate neutrality and resilience.

This is achieved by setting up a comprehensive climate action plan, tailored for your city or region, optimized in terms of cost, emission cut or social equity, and based on scientifically-sound decarbonisation pathways and a large database of adaptation and mitigation measures. Additionally, it will include information on how the chosen measures affect SDGs as well as a monitoring function.

With the tool, you can automatically generate the relevant cornerstones of a Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP) for the Covenant of Mayors, which can be refined with further input from the user. It is the first tool with an optimization function and has been co-created with multiple stakeholders from the field.

WHOM IS IT FOR?

The tool is designed for all people working in in the field of regional administration, not only specifically on transition. If you have some knowledge on your region, what characteristics it possesses or which sectors are prevalent, you will be able to benefit from it.

It is not necessary for you to have deep knowledge on Climate Change or sustainability, as this is just what the CAST can help you with in an easy way.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE?

The testing will take about 45 minutes of your time. We will send you a link to the tool, let you play around with it and ask you to complete a survey – you won’t need to prepare anything. The first participants to return the survey will receive a free and individual introduction webinar once the final Climate Action Strategizer is launched.

Send your interest in participating to climateaction@climatemedia.de. Once the testing period is open, which will be in summer, you simply need to follow the link we will send to you, and enjoy working with the Climate Action Strategiser.

In January 2024, a climate crisis workshop was held, organized by the Gdańsk Gdynia Sopot Metropolitan Area (MAGGS), in collaboration with Krzysztof Jodłowski, an expert in climate change and crisis management. Nearly 30 representatives from local governments within MAGGS participated in the workshop. The discussion focused on future climate crises and strategies for preparing for them, aiming to raise awareness and readiness to respond to changes that could have serious consequences, such as floods, droughts, and wildfires.

During the workshop, issues related to the rapid rise in temperature, rising sea levels, and the release of methane from permafrost, which could threaten the stability of ecosystems, were addressed. Krzysztof Jodłowski emphasized that preparing for these changes requires collaboration at the local level, with a focus on collective actions. While individual actions are important, they are not enough in the face of the scale of the crisis. A community-based approach, integrated with local government policies, is essential for effective risk management.

The importance of decarbonization, that is, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, was also highlighted as a key element in the fight against climate change. Reducing CO2 emissions not only lowers the risk of climate disasters but also improves the quality of life. Decarbonization efforts, such as the development of renewable energy sources, changes in transportation, and improving energy efficiency in buildings, are crucial in the process of adapting to upcoming changes.

In the face of catastrophic climate forecasts, the key goal is not only to minimize human impact on the environment but also to prepare societies for the challenges ahead. The crisis workshop demonstrated that effective cooperation among local governments, institutions, and citizens is the foundation on which a future resilient to climate change should be built.

From March 3 to 6, LOCALISED partners gathered in Milan for an intense and productive three-day meeting and interactive workshop. Hosted by CMCC, the event was a key moment to align on project progress, refine tools, and strategize on maximizing the impact of LOCALISED in supporting decarbonisation efforts.

Assessing Progress and Setting Priorities

The first day focused on reviewing the overall project timeline and integrating feedback from the latest external project review. This session allowed partners to reflect on the work completed so far and establish key priorities for the remaining months. The discussions then shifted to the Net-Zero Business Consultant (NZBC) and the Sustainable Business Model Canvas tools, both designed to support companies in their decarbonisation journey by offering tailored insights and strategic guidance.

A conclusive session on scientific dissemination and communication then highlighted the importance of sharing LOCALISED findings in ways that engage policymakers, businesses, and citizens.

Advancing Modelling, Strategy, and Impact Assessment

The second day was dedicated to the technical development of LOCALISED’s models and Data Sharing Platform. The team explored ways to ensure that the project provides robust support not only for climate mitigation strategies but also for adaptation to impacts of climate change. In addition, a session on Social Impact Assessment reinforced the project’s commitment to integrating social dimensions into climate strategies, ensuring that transitions are inclusive and equitable. In the afternoon, the updated version of the Climate Action Strategiser (CAST) was showcased, followed by a discussion on the Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAPs) auto-filling integration and the next steps required before the project’s completion.

The day concluded with a session on impact assessment and exploitation, exploring how LOCALISED’s outcomes can create long-term value and remain useful beyond the project’s lifespan.

Engaging Businesses and Citizens for a Sustainable Future

The last day began with an interactive Business Decarbonisation Workshop, where project partners and stakeholders explored how the LOCALISED Net-Zero Business tool can help businesses in their transition to net-zero emissions. Another key session focused on the Citizen Engager, a tool designed to foster public participation through co-design processes, making climate action more inclusive and community-driven.

In the afternoon, the meeting concluded with discussions on the future of LOCALISED after the project’s official end, and how partners can contribute to ensuring that its insights, methodologies, and tools remain available.

Strengthening Collaboration Through Cultural Experiences

Beyond the structured discussions, the Milan meeting also provided moments for informal exchange and team-building. A guided cultural tour, “Migrantour – T’EL Chi CHINA TOWN”, led us through Milan’s Chinatown, offering a perspective on the city’s multicultural dynamics. Convivial team dinners further strengthened connections, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that drives the LOCALISED project.

As LOCALISED moves into its final phases, the focus remains on refining its tools and sharing them with stakeholders, to ensure that cities, businesses, and citizens can effectively use downscaled climate data to drive local action.