Adaptive Renewables: Energy at the Mitigation-Adaptation Nexus

Abstract

As the clean energy transition accelerates, the challenges of climate impacts are being seen worldwide. Because energy is a leading source of carbon emissions, renewable power production offers a tremendous opportunity for climate mitigation. This paper examines the potential for advancing renewables deployment concurrently with climate adaptation, thereby achieving co-benefits at the nexus of mitigation and adaptation. A literature review is conducted; the feasibility for coastal protection from storms via offshore wind farms, wave erosion via floating breakwater, and multi-use planning within the blue energy space are explored. Additionally, opportunities to reduce the urban heat island effect and land use competition with solar panels are examined. Finally, various configurations of renewable hybrid energy generation are assessed, as well as implications for grid architecture, transmission planning, and equity within the field.