How does snowfall affect energy supply chains?

How does snowfall affect energy supply chains?

Extreme weather events can have a huge impact on energy supply chains, whether in the case of flooding associated with heavy rains or the devastation caused to renewable equipment during high winds and hurricanes. However, in some cases, extreme weather events can actually aid renewable generation—for example, extreme winds can increase wind power production, while heavy rains can increase hydropower.  

One extreme weather event that can cause problems for all types of renewable energy production, however, is heavy snowfall. Heavy snowfall can affect energy production, transportation, and distribution in cold climates. We look at the challenges that heavy snow can cause in the energy industry, with a focus on renewable energy plants and fossil fuel distribution, as well as some solutions to help tackle the most common energy-related issues.  

Impact of snowfall on fuel transportation

We’re all familiar with the effect extreme weather events can have on driving, air, and rail travel, which has a huge impact on commuting and our everyday lives. But this is even more apparent in the logistics industry. In the case of energy distribution, snow and icy roads can slow down or even halt the delivery of energy further down the supply chain.

Snowfall's impact on the delivery of Natural Gas

Heavy snow can cause trees on the roads and other road blockages, meaning natural gas can’t be delivered by road to its end recipients.

Snowfall's impact on the delivery of Oil

Road blockages can also impact the delivery of oil to end destinations during snowstorms. Still, issues can occur further up the supply before the oil even hits the road. This is because snow can affect the production of crude oil, meaning less is available for delivery in the first instance, which may cause delays and shortages in supply.

Snowfall's impact on the delivery of Coal

Snowstorms have caused a considerable impact on coal supply, even completely halting certain parts of the industry, and causing nationwide plant closures. In the 1940s, the UK coal industry relied heavily on the railway network to distribute coal, and in 1947, several large snowdrifts prevented coal from reaching power stations. As a result, industrial supply was cut, and residential supply was reduced to 19 hours per day. Radio, print, and television communication was also reduced, and food supplies were frozen in the ground on farms.

Challenges and opportunities faced by energy grids during Snowfall

We analyse how snowfall impacts electricity grids, from increased strain on the grid to damage to technical equipment, and how preventative treatment can help mitigate the effects of heavy snowfall on the energy industry.

Increased demand for heating

When temperatures drop, demand for heating increases. Demand can quickly outstrip supply from renewable plants, putting extra strain on the grid. Technical solutions such as predictive modelling, discussed below, can help prepare the grid for these influxes in demand.

Potential infrastructure damage

Renewable energy infrastructure is built with a high tolerance for extreme weather events factored into design, due to location and likely exposure to the elements. However, ice buildup can damage and crack the metal structures of renewable technology, weakening infrastructure and resulting in more frequent maintenance requirements during periods of heavy snowfall.

Weather-resistant infrastructure

Many innovations and strategies can be used to mitigate the risks snowfall poses to energy supply chains, but one of the most effective is by strengthening infrastructure and making it ‘weatherproof.’ While no infrastructure can be truly weatherproof due to the volatile nature of the weather, higher-performing materials can be used to construct renewable technology, and arrays can be installed over a wider area so that elements of a plant can still remain operational when one region in a certain array is experiencing heavy snowfall.

Predictive modeling

One technical solution is implementing predictive modelling, which uses plant data gathered via the Internet of Things (IoT). Algorithms can be modelled from data collected during snowfall to predict how a plant may act during periods of heavy snowfall, preventing common problems occurring before they happen. Predictive modelling can also predict when energy demand may rise and by how much, for example, during heavy snowfall, so the grid can prepare for expected increases in energy demand.

Logistical solutions to snowfall disruptions

While each type of energy type comes with its logistical issues, one method that can help lessen the impact of snowfall on the supply chain is to pad out delivery times so that a supplier expects a delay on delivery during heavy snowfall. Preparing a client before a delivery occurs can help mitigate the impact to their business due to not receiving energy on time during heavy snowfall

Cold region case studies: snowfall and energy supply interruptions

In 2021, almost 250 people died in Texas, USA, because natural gas suppliers were unable to deliver natural gas to end locations during Storm Uri. The Natural Gas Supply Association recognized the shortfalls of delivery of natural gas during heavy snowfall and has provided advice for its members during winter. Preventative measures include enhanced inspections at natural gas facilities before predicted heavy snowfall periods, which could include predictive modeling, but smaller suppliers were still a concern. Consumers could also consider other ‘top-up’ energy methods during these periods, including renewable sources with storage.

Climate change and snowfall's impact on energy systems in the future

In some regions, such as the UK, climate change is causing wetter summers and milder winters, meaning snowfall is less common. Still, in other areas of the globe, heavy snowfall is becoming more frequent throughout the winter months, impacting the wider supply chain. Evolving climate patterns could even lead to more frequent or intense snowfall, affecting future energy supply chain resilience. Energy storage options, such as batteries, could capture and store energy produced by plants such as wind and solar, meaning energy can be banked during warmer seasons, stored and distributed during cold snaps and the consequent plant downtime, to ensure energy supply is not interrupted during periods of heavy snowfall.

Heavy snowfall poses unique challenges to energy systems, from grid strain to logistical delays. However, innovations like predictive modelling and weather-resistant infrastructure provide solutions to mitigate disruptions. As climate patterns evolve, proactive strategies will be essential for ensuring resilient energy supply chains during extreme winter conditions.