Britain’s energy future may rely as much on precise weather forecasts as on wind farm capacity. The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has partnered with the Met Office to better prepare for extreme weather and optimize renewable energy use.
Formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding, this collaboration enhances cooperation and integrates weather expertise directly within NESO. The partnership aims to address challenges posed by climate change, including more frequent storms, floods, and heatwaves that stress the energy infrastructure.
“Accurate forecasting will be vital to protect infrastructure and ensure that renewable power is used efficiently when it’s available.”
Dr. Emily Wallace, a Met Office Fellow, will join NESO on secondment to provide specialized knowledge on how climate and extreme weather impact energy networks. Her expertise will support energy planners in anticipating challenges and identifying smarter, more resilient operational approaches.
“Her role will help energy planners anticipate challenges before they hit and spot opportunities for smarter, more resilient operations.”
This coaction aims to keep Britain at the forefront of integrating weather intelligence into energy management.
The new NESO and Met Office partnership uses data and AI to enhance weather-based energy planning, ensuring Britain’s renewable systems withstand increasing climate risks efficiently.