Met Office and Grid Team Up to Boost Windfarm Productivity
Britain’s energy future may rely as much on weather forecasts as on wind farms. The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has formed a new partnership with the Met Office to help the country prepare for extreme weather and maximize renewable energy use.
The collaboration, formalized in a Memorandum of Understanding, deepens cooperation between the two organizations and integrates weather expertise directly into NESO. This step is especially important as climate change leads to more frequent storms, floods, and heatwaves, increasing pressure on the energy system.
Accurate forecasting will be essential to safeguard infrastructure and ensure renewable power is used efficiently when available. NESO and the Met Office will exchange data, apply artificial intelligence to enhance prediction models, and jointly advise the government on future risks.
Key Points
- The partnership strengthens weather-informed energy planning in the UK.
- Data sharing and AI will improve forecasting accuracy.
- Joint efforts will help protect infrastructure and optimize renewable energy use.
“Accurate forecasting will be vital to protect infrastructure and ensure that renewable power is used efficiently when it’s available.”
“Their joint effort aims to make sure Britain stays a global leader in weather-informed energy planning.”
Expert Involvement
Met Office Fellow Dr Emily Wallace will join NESO on secondment, offering expertise on how climate and extreme weather impact energy networks. Her role will help energy planners anticipate challenges and identify opportunities for smarter, more resilient operations.
“Her role will help energy planners anticipate challenges before they hit and spot opportunities for smarter, more resilient operations.”
Author’s summary: This partnership between NESO and the Met Office is set to enhance the UK’s energy resilience by integrating advanced weather forecasting into renewable energy planning.