In a recent report, Zurich Insurance Group emphasised the urgent need to strengthen Europe’s clean energy infrastructure against growing climate-related threats, calling for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors.
The report analysed more than 25,000 power generation sites across France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK. Using Climate Spotlight, Zurich Resilience Solutions’ geospatial modelling tool, it assessed how climate hazards could impact renewable energy production and storage through 2030 and 2050.
Findings show renewable energy assets face significantly greater physical climate risks than fossil fuel-based infrastructure.
According to the report, by 2030, 83% of Europe’s clean energy generation—especially solar power—will be at high risk. Additionally, 92% of energy storage assets are exposed to high levels of climate risk. With energy generation capacity from renewable assets expected to grow by nearly two-thirds (62%) by 2030, there is an opportunity to make the clean energy transition resilient by design.
The report warns that failure to adapt could jeopardise both the energy transition and energy security. To prevent this, Zurich urges greater collaboration between the public and private sectors.
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Key recommendations include upgrading existing infrastructure to withstand extreme weather, incorporating climate stress tests in new project planning, embedding resilience in energy infrastructure design, improving access to reliable climate risk data, and creating incentives and financial frameworks to support investment.
Sierra Signorelli, CEO Commercial Insurance, said, “The energy transition is a critical imperative for business, the economy, and society. While renewables are essential to this shift, our research shows Europe’s renewable infrastructure faces rising climate risks. By building resilience, we not only reduce those risks—we protect insurability and unlock continued investment in clean energy.”
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