Making the power grid 'storm-proof' actually makes it a lot worse for the environment.
March 26, 2026
Original Paper
Eco-Resiliency: Bridging Resilience and Environmental Sustainability in Coastal Power Distribution Systems subjected to Storm Hazards
SSRN · 6469908
The Takeaway
We typically assume that 'resilient' infrastructure and 'green' infrastructure go hand-in-hand, but this paper reveals a hidden trade-off. The materials and construction methods required to make power poles and lines survive extreme weather frequently have high environmental costs that conflict with sustainability goals.
From the abstract
Coastal power distribution systems are prone to storm-induced failures causing widespread power outages. Utility companies commonly focus on resilient strategies, where some failures are acceptable, provided that the power can be restored quickly. Existing studies on resilience assessment of coastal power distribution systems often use fragility models that are too generic or inaccurate, reducing assessment reliability. Estimating power outage extents also requires computationally intensive conn