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In developed countries, the energy sector is one of the biggest
users of earth observation products and weather forecasts. The
priority over the next decade is to promote a better and shared
use of existing data and forecast information, and to prepare the
industry to use new products as they become available. These
will include medium-term weather predictions (notably ensem-
ble predictions) and atmospheric environment monitoring
products.
Optimizing information delivery
Due to the complexity of energy systems management, it is
important for energy companies and NMHS to collaborate. The
level of weather, climate and water information needed in the
energy sector is high, and it is necessary to master complex
information such as ensemble forecasting. Energy sector person-
nel have to deal with very diverse problems, and do not always
have the necessary expertise in earth sciences. It is therefore
desirable to establish an intermediary between disciplines.
User training is also important, in order to ensure an up-to-
date knowledge of products and services and to identify
potential future developments of interest to the sector. A coor-
dination team should be formally set in place, and regular
meetings with feedback and event review mechanisms should
be planned, in order to maintain good communication.
Bridging gaps between users and providers
There are many challenges ahead in improving and rationaliz-
ing the use of weather, climate and water information in the
development of environmentally responsible and equitable
energy systems. These challenges include:
• Raising awareness among the general public, scientists
and decision-makers about the potential impacts of energy
consumption on climate and environment
• Ensuring recognition that advances will require an invest-
ment in research to improve scientific and technical
capabilities
• Ensuring recognition that resources for HMS are invest-
ments that are highly beneficial to the energy sector, and
to society, rather than needless expenditures
• Maintaining and developing the operational capability of
the service providers
• Ensuring that the users are aware of and understand the
limitations of data and forecasting and warning systems
• Developing the use of short-, medium- and long-term
weather and climate forecasts, with a particular focus on
ensemble predictions
• Understanding that failures will occur, but that the appli-
cation of risk management approaches can minimize the
possible impacts, and that doing nothing will always be
worse.
In conclusion, energy is a prerequisite for economic and social
development. It will therefore be a crucial element in the
United Nations Millennium Development Goals.
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Efforts from
NMHS and energy companies and agencies will be necessary
at both local and national levels, to meet each country’s needs.
However, regional and international efforts will also be essen-
tial to ensure a global, equitable and sustainable development
of energy systems. Here, international organizations like the
World Meteorological Organization, The Group on Earth
Observation, and the International Energy Agency will have a
major role to play.
one nuclear reactor or about 500-700 windmills. In the USA,
electricity generators save USD166 million annually, using 24-
hour temperature forecasts to manage the available mix of
generating units.
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Finally, archive data and future climate
scenarios, including both mean trends and extreme values, are
essential to long-term supply planning, production unit dimen-
sioning, and therefore to investment decisions.
Issues and concerns for information providers and user
expectations
By 2030, the investment needed to meet projected demand is
likely to be around USD16 trillion, with half of this amount
needed for developing countries.
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Reducing the risks associated
with those investments and with the management of energy
systems is crucial. Weather, climate and water information have
a major role to play. Vital issues include environmentally respon-
sible and equitable energy management, a better match of energy
supply and demand, a reduction of risk to energy infrastructure,
more accurate inventory of greenhouse gases and pollutants,
and a better understanding of renewable energy potential.
In developing countries, the vital issues are energy access
and reliability, with efficient energy management being a
secondary issue. For many of these countries climate variabil-
ity and risks are significant. Weather, climate and water
information are therefore crucial for the development and
safety of their energy systems. The primary concern for NMHS
is to provide databases that help to establish sites and dimen-
sion future grids and production units (especially those based
on renewable resources). Secondary concerns include provid-
ing services in the short- and medium-term management of
energy systems, and issuing warnings to minimize the impact
of rare meteorological events.
Tignes lake and dam (France)
Photo: La mediatheque EDF/Johann Rousselot