Power Blackout Risks

3.1.3. Huge investments in power supply infrastructure required
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The following figure from the grid study published by dena (German Energy Agency
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) shows how many critical 
issues have to be taken into account to plan a future transmission grid that responds to both the increased 
proportion of renewable energy production and future requirements of a modern and sustainable power supply: 
39% Renewable Energy
Sources until 2020
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EIA, Annual Energy Outlook 2011, http://www.eia.gov/neic/speeches/newell_12162010.pdf
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http://www.dena.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Download/Dokumente/Studien___Umfragen/Summary_dena_Grid_Study_II_2.pdf (November 2010)
Source: dena

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crobriefing on Power Blackout Risks
The dena grid study concludes that for Germany alone an additional 3,600 kilometres of 380 kilovolt lines will
be required by 2020. For comparison, since 2005 just 80 km of new power grids were erected. 
For the European Union grids investments of EUR 23-28 bn are needed over the next five years. This could only 
be realised if investment and permitting processes are pushed and financing incentives for TSOs are supported 
by the EU members, regulator bodies and industry. 
Worldwide an investment of USD 13.6 trillion will be required by 2030 in order to meet increasing demand 
(International Energy Agency, IEA). IEA concludes that 50% of this amount needs to be invested in transmission 
and distribution and another 50% in generation of electricity. 
One of the most prominent projects that address these requirements is the Desertec project. The below chart 
highlights the necessity of long distance transmission capabilities in order to efficiently use and distribute 
renewable energies.
Source: Desertec Foundation
CSP: Concentrated Solar Power
Squares indicate the area required to meet the respective power demand
DESERTEC-EUMENA
Concentrating
Solar Power
Hydro
Photovoltaics
Biomass
Wind
Geothermal

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3.2. Historical power blackout events and future scenarios