2024
The Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Distribution (SSEN-D) explored the value and benefits that can be drawn from nature-based solutions (NbS) for electricity distribution infrastructure to tackle climate change hazards, comparing them to benefits from conventional solutions.
Highlights
01
Assessing the value (feasibility, costs and benefits) of nature-based solutions compared to conventional (engineered) options for electricity infrastructure .
02
Addressing environmental and social values and benefits in the assessments
03
Exploring 4 optional NbS
04
Drawing partly on learnings from nature-based solutions for water infrastructure
Main Information
SSEN-D, in collaboration with Frontier Economics, GHD and ScottishPower Transmission examined the value and benefits of nature-based solutions for assets compared with those of conventional measures such as physical concrete and steel structures.
The project included two phases; the first phase (“Discovery”) examined potential approaches to assets, providing theoretical and conceptual assessments of the benefits could be gained from each approach (a cataloge . In the second phase (“Alpha”), these approaches are tested on the ground, to examine implementation, limitations, third party considerations and costs, among others. One important output is a detailed catalogue of NbS options for various infrastructure needs.
The final learnings point to all examined nature-based solutions to have at least the potential to have a monetary or equal-to-money value to society compared to traditional solutions, including enhancing biodiversity and carbon sequencing.
Ireland