Infrastructure Systems

Overview

OPSIS investigates infrastructure and its interdependencies in energy, digital communications, solid waste, transport, waste water, water supply and infrastructure governance. The research takes a ‘system-of-systems’ approach to infrastructure which examines the interdependencies between infrastructure sectors. In the Infrastructure Transitions Research Consortium the team led the development of the NISMOD National Infrastructure Systems Model, the world’s first national infrastructure system-of-systems model. NISMOD has been used to analyse long-term investment strategies as well as risk and vulnerability in infrastructure networks nationally and globally. OPSIS researches methods for long-term planning of infrastructure systems to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Systems models are used to understand climate risks to infrastructure systems and to prioritise adaptation actions.

Projects

ITRC-MISTRAL: Multi-scale Infrastructure Systems Analytics

The Infrastructure Transitions Research Consortium (ITRC) created a unique set of simulation models and methodologies to enable long-term cross-sectoral planning of sustainable and resilient infrastructure systems.

01 January 2011 - 01 January 2021

UK Centre for Greening Finance and Investment (CGFI)

The CGFI is a national centre established to accelerate the adoption and use of climate and environmental data and analytics by financial institutions internationally. It unlocks opportunities for the UK to lead in greening finance and financing green.

National Infrastructure Spatial Tool

The National Infrastructure Spatial Tool (NIST) is a digital platform developed by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) which brings together strategies, data, analysis and modelling of infrastructure systems to test needs for, and constraints on, future scenarios of housing and industry.

J-SRAT: Geospatial analysis platform for infrastructure risk assessment and resilient investment prioritisation in Jamaica

A new, state-of-the-art spatial climate risk analysis toolkit enables the Government of Jamaica to pinpoint and quantify climate-related risks to energy, transport and water supplies. The platform is being used to quantify the physical climate risk to infrastructure investments and appraise resilient infrastructure options, including nature-based solutions.

The Data and Analytics Facility for National Infrastructure (DAFNI)

DAFNI is the national platform to satisfy the computational needs in support of data analysis; infrastructure research; and strategic thinking for the UK’s long term planning and investment needs.

Climate Compatible Growth (CCG) Programme

Climate Compatible Growth (CCG) is a UK Aid-funded programme which aims to support investment in sustainable energy and transport systems to meet development priorities in the Global South.

Gallagher Research Centre: Global Ports, Shipping and Supply Chain Analysis

Bringing together academic researchers and industry experts in modeling, big data, and reinsurance, this initiative aims to advance methods in systemic risk modeling to better inform industry and policymakers on how to build more resilient trade networks in an increasingly volatile world.

Multi-hazard Infrastructure Risk Assessment for Climate Adaptation (MIRACA)

The MIRACA consortium aims to empower public authorities and Critical Infrastructure managers to pinpoint risk-prone areas and develop affordable adaptation strategies to mitigate the physical and economic damages that can result from climate change. OPSIS is leading the development of trans-European transport network flow and disruption models that will help quantify extreme hazard impacts to roads, railways and inland waterways.

Transforming the resilience of critical infrastructure in vulnerable countries

This initiative aims to improve access to climate risk data, providing decision-makers with the tools to better understand and address the needs of vulnerable communities in the Global South. OPSIS will build the J-ADAPT Toolkit to help develop adaptation plans that are as just and inclusive as possible.

Maximising UK Adaptation to Climate Change (MACC) Hub

The MACC Hub aims to inform the UK's climate change adaptation plan and address current barriers around public awareness, policy, legislation and climate data. A systems approach to climate risk assessment will improve understanding of climate risks and adaptation outcomes.

GEMCLIME: Global Excellence in Modelling of Climate and Energy

GEMCLIME examines the drivers of climate change and energy-related risks, the economic impacts of mitigation and adaptation policies, and investigates policy responses to global climate and energy challenges.