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Project title

INTEgrated GRID Resilience for Infrastructure Sustainability & Emergencies

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin)

Lead Applicant

Arash Beiranvand

Project Abstract

Modern society critically depends on interconnected critical infrastructure (CI) networks, particularly energy and transport systems, for essential services and economic stability. Disruptions, as evidenced by recent European blackouts, demand thorough resilience analysis. The INTEGRID-RISE project addresses this by pioneering the development of an integrated model for energy and transport network interdependencies, a crucial aspect not extensively explored before. This novel approach allows us to quantify the impact, vulnerability, and resilience of these systems to climate-related extreme weather events, such as storms, floods, and heatwaves. To develop scalable methodologies and actionable policy recommendations, INTEGRID-RISE focuses on Dublin as a specific case study. Dublin's high infrastructure density, economic significance, and climate vulnerability make it ideal for this detailed analysis. The project will assess the complex interdependencies within Dublin's energy distribution, Luas, and the expanding EV charging network, identifying critical bottlenecks and single points of failure. This will establish a baseline for resilience and inform targeted interventions applicable to other Irish cities. This research aligns with EPA priorities, providing crucial insights to strengthen Ireland's CI against multifaceted challenges. The project will thoroughly examine EV charging infrastructure requirements and their impact on grid stability, assessing the energy system's capacity to accommodate growing EV demand and evaluating smart charging and grid reinforcement strategies. Utilising CSO population projections, the study will model future energy and transport demands to guide strategic infrastructure planning. INTEGRID-RISE will deliver a framework for integrating climate change adaptation and broader resilience into CI planning, design, and operation. This framework will advocate for diversifying energy sources, deploying smart grid technology, and developing robust contingency plans for transport disruptions. A stakeholder event will disseminate findings and build consensus on resilience solutions, ensuring practical policy translation. Furthermore, the study will analyse the effects of increasing wind and solar energy integration on grid stability and reliability, crucial considering EPA concerns about climate-related wind hazards. Project impacts will be quantified using reliability metrics (SAIDI, SAIFI), providing evidence-based policy recommendations. INTEGRID-RISE will offer a strategic framework and quantifiable evidence to enhance Ireland's CI resilience, supporting the EPA's mission to ensure a sustainable and thriving future by proactively addressing infrastructure vulnerabilities and fostering long-term investment in climate adaptation.

Grant Approved

€272,427.00

Research Hub

Addressing Climate Change Evidence Needs

Research Theme

n/a

Start Date

31/03/2026

Initial Projected Completion Date

30/09/2027