Assessing the Resilience of the European Electricity System in the Age of Variable Renewables: Indicators, Data and Limitations

Details

Supervisors

Orsini, Marco

Faculty

Institut d'études européennes Saint-Louis

Degree label

Advanced Master in EU Environmental Governance (POLLEN)

Abstract

enThis study examines the extent to which available indicators and existing data enable the assessment of the resilience of a European electricity system with high penetration of variable renewable energy sources. Drawing on a multi-dimensional framework encompassing technical, security of supply, economic and institutional dimensions, it identifies and critically analyses twelve resilience indicators — including LOLE, RoCoF, the Dunkelflaute exposure index, VOLL and crisis preparedness plans. A comparative case study of Germany and France illustrates that while partial measurement is possible, the same indicators yield conflicting signals depending on the national context. The study concludes that resilience is partially measurable but not yet comparable at European level, due to fragmented data, heterogeneous standards and the absence of harmonised institutional indicators. It further argues that making resilience operational requires not only filling data gaps but also repoliticising the normative choices embedded in indicator design.