Justification of the topic
Macro Context
Major infrastructure projects represent very large investments, often over 30 to 50 years, and are exposed to numerous risks. Among these, natural hazards are becoming increasingly significant in the context of climate change. The current decades are marked by the ageing of infrastructures built in the previous century, increased European regulatory pressure, a rise in the intensity of meteorological hazards, and a significant increase in insurance and reinsurance costs. These converging trends reinforce the need to integrate natural‑hazard risks into the planning, financing and governance of megaprojects.
Academic Importance
Although the literature covers infrastructure resilience and financial risk management, few studies focus on raising awareness of the topic, on providing a clear and operational structuring of relevant natural hazards, on offering accessible and synthesized information, or on the significant aspects of additional costs (financing, insurance and maintenance).
Practical Importance
Knowing and understanding how natural hazards affect costs and insurance helps authorities and companies make informed decisions. Beyond these two obvious stakeholders, and directly linked to DB(F)M megaprojects, investors, insurers, operators and other actors also have an interest in being aware of the issue, so as not to underestimate it, while avoiding turning it into an insurmountable or financially prohibitive obstacle.
Societal Importance
Knowing the risks and their impacts on a major infrastructure megaproject means being better able to anticipate them. Designing highly resilient structures therefore helps prevent major accidents and save lives. Interruptions caused by natural disasters can lead to massive economic losses for the State, local authorities and companies. Ensuring resilience and adequate insurance coverage helps preserve the continuity of transport, trade and public services, and thus avoid major socio‑economic impacts. Alpine territories, which are particularly affected by global warming, must strengthen their resilience, while European corridors are both potentially vulnerable and, paradoxically, part of the solution.
Relevance of the Case Study
The Lyon–Turin project illustrates these issues perfectly:
- large financial and technical scale
- exposure to major natural hazards
- strategic European importance
- rare opportunity to explore the link between “climatic” risks, financing, insurance and maintenance in a DB(F)M context
In addition, a TELT public contract—lot T15, currently in the procurement phase—is exceptional due to its budget, its duration, its cross‑border dimension and the presence of major natural hazards. TELT therefore constitutes a unique analytical setting for exploring climate resilience within a European megaproject.
Highly Topical
The relevance of this topic is also reflected in current discussions within the construction sector. The main theme of the ADEB‑VBA Annual Meeting in June 2025 was dedicated to adaptation to climate disruptions. Professors Jacques Teller and Patrick Willems presented forward‑looking perspectives on how to make infrastructure more resilient. This confirms that climate‑related risks and resilience strategies are now central concerns for industry stakeholders — including the institutions co‑organizing this Executive Master.