Cresc șansele să rămânem fără curent în plină iarnă dacă vortexul polar se va rupe

Recent research indicates that extreme weather phenomena at high altitudes provide energy operators with a valuable preparation window for electrical grids. During winter, strong winds above the Arctic create an 'invisible barrier' that can weaken dramatically every couple of winters. This weakening leads to sudden stratospheric warming, affecting weather patterns in Europe weeks later, resulting in severe cold spells. A study by Regan Mudhar and collaborators shows a direct link between these anomalies and energy security, with the risk of extreme energy demand tripling after polar vortex disruptions. The impact varies by country, with some experiencing significant increases in energy consumption due to heating needs. Despite the challenges, the phenomenon allows for a two to four-week preparation period for energy operators to mitigate potential outages.