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The impact of abrupt sunlight reduction scenarios on renewable energy production

  • A. R. Varne, S. Blouin, B. L. M. Williams, D. C. Denkenberger
Published in Energies on:
16 October 2024

Summary

This paper examines the impact of an Abrupt Sunlight Reduction Scenario (ASRS), such as nuclear or volcanic winter, on global energy systems. It finds that wind and solar output would drop by 59% in the first year after an ASRS, with recovery taking over a decade. Thus, there is a need for resilient energy sources and international cooperation to meet critical needs like food, water, and heating.

Abrupt Sunlight Reduction Scenario (ASRS), Energy infrastructure

Abstract

To combat global warming, energy systems are transitioning to generation from renewable sources, such as wind and solar, which are sensitive to climate conditions. While their output is expected to be little affected by global warming, wind, and solar electricity generation could be affected by more drastic climatic changes, such as abrupt sunlight reduction scenarios (ASRSs) caused by nuclear war (“nuclear winter”) or supervolcanic eruptions (“volcanic winter”). This paper assesses the impacts of an ASRS on global energy supply and security in a 100% renewable energy scenario. National generation mixes are determined according to roadmaps for a global transition to renewable energy, with wind and solar contributing a combined 94% of the global energy supply. Wind and solar generation are determined for a baseline climate and an ASRS following a large-scale nuclear exchange. While effects vary by country, overall wind and solar generation are expected to reduce by 59% in the first year following an ASRS, requiring over a decade for full recovery. Ensuring sufficient energy for everyone’s critical needs, including water, food, and building heating/cooling, would require international trade, resilient food production, and/or resilient energy sources, such as wood, geothermal, nuclear power, tidal power, and hydropower.

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