With the published final report, the Austrian Institute of Technology, together with its project partners University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Institute of Meteorology and Climatology, presents the key findings of the research project ROBINE – Region-Specific Impact Assessment of Climate Change for a Robust and Integrated Energy Infrastructure in Austria.
The report provides a comprehensive knowledge base as well as high-resolution data foundations on the potential impacts of climate change on Austria's energy infrastructure – spanning electricity, heat, and gas.
New data and models for forward-looking energy planning
As part of the project, three essential data and modelling components were developed that can help enable more precise and regionally differentiated energy planning. For the first time, these datasets allow for a detailed regional assessment of changes in potential climatic impacts and extreme weather events relevant to the energy sector. The knowledge base generated provides guidance on how these can potentially be integrated into planning and decision-making processes for energy infrastructure.
Key findings for a resilient energy system
The results clearly show that regional differences in climate risks play a significant role in the design and further development of energy infrastructures. Particularly critical is the finding that many extreme weather hazards increase disproportionately at higher global warming levels, such as three or four degrees. This underscores the need to limit global warming to two degrees wherever possible.
Need for action from the perspective of stakeholders
ROBINE provides a precise, data-based foundation to help orient Austria's energy system towards long-term climate resilience. The results offer decision-makers in politics, the energy sector, and infrastructure management valuable foundations for developing robust and forward-thinking measures in response to climate change-related and weather-induced uncertainties.
The exploratory project thus makes a significant contribution to transforming Austria's energy system towards future viability and resilience.
Find the final report here:
https://www.ait.ac.at/fileadmin/mc/energy/ROBINE_FO999905716_Publizierbarer_Endbericht_2025.pdf
Project page: https://www.ait.ac.at/themen/energieszenarien-und-energiesystemplanung/robine
The ROBINE project was funded by the Climate and Energy Fund (KLIEN) within the framework of energy research, funding priority 4 – climate change adaptation of energy infrastructure.
