Business of Weather talks to Dr. Alberto Troccoli of the World Energy & Meteorology Council about the importance of weather data to increasing the use of renewable energy and in enhancing energy efficiency …
The World Energy & Meteorology Council (WEMC) was set up to build on the growing knowledge and expertise in weather and climate risk management for the energy industry. Working with our partners and members worldwide, WEMC brings together experts from the energy and climate science communities, to collaborate and share knowledge that can help create more sustainable, resilient and efficient energy systems.
The link between energy, society and the global climate is a critical one. The use of fossil fuels is one of the biggest contributors to global warming which, if left unchecked, could have devastating consequences for all of us.
The energy sector is very dependent on the weather and climate. Day-to-day weather and longer-term climate variations influence energy demand and supply in all areas. For example, in agriculture, transport and communication, in water supply and in the built environment.
Consequently, the energy sector is a sophisticated user of weather & climate information and this has given rise to what’s called ‘energy meteorology’. This is the application of weather & climate information to help create more sustainable, resilient and efficient energy systems.
Perhaps most importantly, weather & climate information has big implications for the growth or low carbon renewable energy – which can help bring global warming under control. However, because renewable energy is especially dependent on the weather, it is variable in nature.
But if we know when and where the wind is going to blow and how much the sun will shine, this variability can be reduced and renewables can play an increased role in the overall energy mix.
What’s more, energy meteorology can significantly improve energy efficiency – especially in the energy intensive urban environment.
To find out more about the link between energy and the weather, Business of Weather spoke to Dr. Alberto Troccoli, the managing director of the World Energy & Meteorology Council.
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