Comparative Assessment of Accident Risks in the Energy Sector

Peter Burgherr (), Stefan Hirschberg and Matteo Spada
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Peter Burgherr: Laboratory for Energy Systems Analysis Paul Scherrer Institut
Stefan Hirschberg: Laboratory for Energy Systems Analysis Paul Scherrer Institut
Matteo Spada: Laboratory for Energy Systems Analysis Paul Scherrer Institut

Chapter Chapter 18 in Handbook of Risk Management in Energy Production and Trading, 2013, pp 475-501 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract This chapter is structured in five parts. The introduction discusses the relevance of accidents in the energy sector and puts them into the broader perspective of sustainability, energy security, and critical infrastructure protection. Furthermore, an overview of various risk assessment concepts is given. The second part provides a detailed overview of the comprehensive framework for comparative risk assessment developed by the Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI), at the core of which is the energy-related severe accident database (ENSAD). Third, a broad range of risk indicators and other measures are described and calculated allow for an objective, fair, and quantitative comparison of accident risks across a broad range of fossil, nuclear, and renewable technologies. This evaluation is complemented by a compilation of additional risk factors that can play a key role in decision processes and stakeholder interaction. However, for the time being they are often not amenable to full quantification because they cannot be described and analyzed by traditional risk metrics mainly focusing on consequences or because only limited historical experience is available. The chapter ends with a summary of the main findings and conclusions that can be drawn from comparative risk assessment as well as their potential implications for policy making.

Keywords: Geographic Information System; Risk Indicator; External Cost; Energy Security; Severe Accident (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013
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DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-9035-7_18

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