| Risk Category |
Description |
Impact on Reliability |
Mitigation Strategies |
| Renewable intermittency |
Fluctuations in solar and wind output. |
Supply gaps, voltage instability. |
Energy storage (batteries), flexible generation, and advanced grid controls. |
| Aging infrastructure |
Deterioration of lines, substations, and equipment. |
Increased faults, outages, and reduced efficiency. |
Infrastructure upgrades, proactive maintenance, and smart grid technologies. |
| Extreme weather |
Bushfires, cyclones, and heatwaves are impacting assets. |
Physical damage, widespread outages, and increased demand. |
Infrastructure hardening, undergrounding, and climate-resilient designs. |
| Cyber security |
Malicious attacks on digital control systems. |
Grid disruption, blackouts, data breaches. |
Robust cybersecurity frameworks, continuous monitoring, and incident response. |
| Demand growth |
Increasing electricity consumption from population/economic expansion. |
Strain on existing capacity, potential for supply shortfalls. |
Investment in new generation/transmission, demand-side management, and energy efficiency. |
| Market volatility |
Price fluctuations and supply chain issues. |
Affects investment in new projects and operational costs. |
Diversified energy sources, long-term contracts, and regulatory stability. |
| Regulatory uncertainty |
Shifting policies impacting investment and development. |
Delays in project implementation, investor reluctance. |
Clear, consistent policy frameworks and stakeholder engagement. |
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