Strengthening energy networks to withstand severe wind and storms

This project concept was proposed by Energy Networks Australia.

The objective of this project is to Inform asset design and network investment decisions that strengthen Australia’s energy networks and ensure long-term resilience under future severe wind scenarios.

Further research into the increasingly emerging threat and impact of severe wind events (for example straight-line winds, convective winds and downbursts) on critical electricity infrastructure is imperative.  The critical knowledge gap the industry faces in this area is the limited industry research on the frequency of future severe wind events to inform the asset design standards that will ensure long-term network resilience.  This includes how such forecasts can be applied across different geographies and landscapes in relation to assets like transmission towers and distribution poles and wires.  

Further research into the severe weather risks electricity networks need to manage is needed at a national level to benefit all energy users and consumers fairly and equitably.