Mitigating climate change impact on renewable energy: role of energy efficiency and diversification in sustainability
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Ademovic Tahirovic, alma
Ameli, Hossein
Strbac, goran
Type
Conference Paper
Abstract
Environmental pressures have long driven the shift toward non-fossil fuel alternatives in energy systems. However, the impact of climate change on reliability of renewable sources has received limited attention. Brazil’s energy system, dominated by hydropower (71%), faces increasing strain from prolonged dry conditions and growing peak demand. Only half of this hydro capacity is reservoir-type dispatchable, increasing reliability concerns. While expansions in wind, solar, and natural gas have been pursued, they introduce volatility and logistical complexity,
with imposed constraints of domestic reserves and imports. Biomass emerges as a flexible and viable alternative, particularly in decentralized applications. It offers emission reductions and cost savings when derived from locally sourced agricultural residues, in form of biogas and biomethane energy streams. This paper applies the extended Combined Gas and Electricity Network model to assess infrastructure interdependencies and diversification strategies under Brazil’s energy transition. Results show that small-scale biomass, paired with energy efficiency
and demand management, enhances resilience. Energy efficiency, despite higher upfront costs, provides long-term savings and emission reductions. The findings highlight the need for diversified, low-emission strategies with energy conservation as the foundation of sustainable development.
with imposed constraints of domestic reserves and imports. Biomass emerges as a flexible and viable alternative, particularly in decentralized applications. It offers emission reductions and cost savings when derived from locally sourced agricultural residues, in form of biogas and biomethane energy streams. This paper applies the extended Combined Gas and Electricity Network model to assess infrastructure interdependencies and diversification strategies under Brazil’s energy transition. Results show that small-scale biomass, paired with energy efficiency
and demand management, enhances resilience. Energy efficiency, despite higher upfront costs, provides long-term savings and emission reductions. The findings highlight the need for diversified, low-emission strategies with energy conservation as the foundation of sustainable development.
Date Acceptance
2025-06-25
Publisher
IEEE
Copyright Statement
Subjet to copyright. This paper is embargoed until publication. Once published the author’s accepted manuscript will be made available under a CC-BY License in accordance with Imperial’s Research Publications Open Access policy (www.imperial.ac.uk/oa-policy).
Source
60th International Universities Power Engineering Conference (UPEC2025)
Publication Status
Accepted
Start Date
2025-09-02
Finish Date
2025-09-05
Coverage Spatial
London, UK