‘ Extreme Weather Could Severely Hurt Energy Infrastructure’

The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) have released a new publication on early warning systems for the energy sector, providing key insights and best practices for enhancing energy resilience in the face of climate risks.

The technical document Best Practices on Early Warning Systems for the Energy Sector and Electricity Industry: Case Studies from China was from compiled by the WMO Study Group on Renewable Energy Transition as part of the WMO Commission for Weather, Climate, Hydrological, Marine and Related Environmental Services and Applications (SERCOM).

The report shows how extreme weather events like heatwaves and typhoons are increasing pressure on power systems worldwide and disrupting energy infrastructure, emphasising the need for actionable early warnings.

It incorporates CMA’s practical experience in developing early warning services for the energy sector.

It introduces a framework for integrating climate change adaptation, mitigation, and operational efficiency into energy systems. It utilises operational case studies from China to demonstrate how early warnings (for storms, floods, and power shortages) enhance energy resilience.

“The demand for reliable and resilient energy systems is growing as climate change and extreme weather increasingly affect every part of the electricity value chain,” writes Ardhasena Sopaheluwakan, SERCOM vice-president.

“National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs), together with power system operators, regulators and industry, are expected to deliver not only accurate forecasts, but actionable services that protect infrastructure, safeguard supply and support the transition to clean energy. In this context, strengthening early warning systems is not only a matter of protecting infrastructure and securing supply, but also a vital contribution to sustainable development and climate resilience,” he writes.

SERCOM supports WMO Members in developing methodologies, standards and practices that make early warning services more impact-based, user-driven and interoperable.

The new publication is an example of that collective effort. It is intended to serve as a practical reference for WMO Members worldwide on tailoring early warning systems for the energy sector.

It presents modular methods and case studies – from flood warnings for substations, to operating condition warnings for wind power, to managing icing and supply shortages- that demonstrate how forecasts can be transformed into decision support.