GENEVA: As the world shifts towards renewable energy transition, climate and weather insights are proving crucial for ensuring reliable power generation and efficient energy planning, according to a new report.
Published ahead of the Sustainable Energy for All Global Forum in Barbados on March 12-13, the report titled 2023 Year in Review: Climate-driven Global Renewable Energy Potential Resources and Energy Demand stresses the need for climate-informed and diversified energy solutions. It highlights that achieving the global goal of tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling efficiency by 2030 will require a deep understanding of climate patterns.
The report is a joint effort by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), under the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF).
In a joint foreword, WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo, IRENA Director-General Francesco Camera, and C3S Director Carlo Buontempo emphasised the direct impact of climate on solar, wind, and hydropower generation. They stated, “Climate conditions shape electricity supply and demand, yet they also present opportunities. By integrating climate data into energy planning, we can enhance power reliability, anticipate seasonal demand peaks, and build resilient infrastructure.”
The report reviews 2023, a year marked by the transition from La Niña to El Niño, significantly impacting wind speed, solar radiation, precipitation, and temperature—critical factors for renewable energy. It was also the warmest year on record, though this record was surpassed again in 2024.
