Investigating Winter Temperatures in Sweden and Norway: Potential Relationships with Climatic Indices and Effects on Electrical Power and Energy Systems

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive study of winter temperatures in Norway and northern Sweden, covering a period of 50 to 70 years. The analysis utilizes Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA) to investigate temperature trends at six selected locations. The results demonstrate an overall long-term rise in temperatures, which can be attributed to global warming. However, when investigating variations in highest, lowest, and average temperatures for December, January, and February, 50% of the cases exhibit a significant decrease in recent years, indicating colder winters, especially in December. The study also explores the variations in Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) variations as a crucial climate factor over the last 15 years, estimating a possible 20% decrease/slowdown within the first half of the 21st century. Subsequently, the study investigates potential similarities between winter AMOC and winter temperatures in the mid to high latitudes over the chosen locations. Additionally, the study examines another important climatic index, the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), and explores possible similarities between the winter NAO index and winter temperatures. The findings reveal a moderate observed lagged correlation for AMOC-smoothed temperatures, particularly in December, along the coastal areas of Norway. Conversely, a stronger lagged correlation is observed between the winter NAO index and temperatures in northwest Sweden and coastal areas of Norway. Thus, NAO may influence both AMOC and winter temperatures (NAO drives both AMOC and temperatures). Furthermore, the paper investigates the impact of colder winters, whether caused by AMOC, NAO, or other factors like winds or sea ice changes, on electrical power and energy systems, highlighting potential challenges such as reduced electricity generation, increased electricity consumption, and the vulnerability of power grids to winter storms. The study concludes by emphasizing the importance of enhancing the knowledge of electrical engineering researchers regarding important climate indices, AMOC and NAO, the possible associations between them and winter temperatures, and addressing the challenges posed by the likelihood of colder winters in power systems.

Stochastic Flow Analysis for Optimization of the Operationality in Run-of-River Hydroelectric Plants in Mountain Areas

“…Previous studies have assessed the impact of changes in hydrometeorological conditions on various aspects of electrical power and energy systems (e.g., electricity generation, electricity consumption, etc.) [34]. Making energy infrastructures resilient to climate change requires dedicated policies and sophisticated decision-making measures to build adaptive capacity [35].…”

The Possible Impact of Department Teaching Culture on Teaching Styles of New Teachers: A Case Study of a Swedish University Department Focused on Engineering Education

“…To complete Section 4, it is crucial to highlight that in today's educational landscape, teachers from all disciplines, especially newcomers, need to possess adequate knowledge of environmental and climate change issues. The first and third authors of this study, both with backgrounds in electrical engineering, have already conducted research on how climate change affects their field [57]. They aim to utilize this expertise while instructing engineering students and developing climate change-related projects for them.…”