The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has released technical guidance to support countries in mapping renewable energy resources.
It provides a comprehensive, science-based framework for National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) to develop national renewable energy atlases together with ministries of energy, and other stakeholders.
The National Renewable Energy Atlases (NRAs) for wind, solar and hydropower - WMO Implementation Guidelines were developed in response to a critical gap identified through a 2022-2023 WMO global energy survey. This found that many nations lack the essential high-resolution data necessary for effective energy planning.
"This guidance integrates reanalysis data, ground-based observations, satellite products, and future climate projections," writes WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo in the forward. "It then applies advanced data-driven approaches - such as AI-based statistical downscaling - to convert these diverse climate datasets into decision-ready actions."
The guidelines are about ensuring that "science translates into improved long-term energy planning," she writes.
WMO is setting an ambitious target to equip all Members with high-resolution national renewable energy atlases by 2030.
The guidelines are a direct contribution to international goals to triple global renewable capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030. They also align with Sustainable Development Goal 7 which seeks to ensure affordable, reliable, and modern energy for all.
Bridging the Gap Between Science and Energy
By turning meteorological data into decision-ready knowledge, the guidelines empower countries to secure their energy supplies and accelerate the transition to renewable resources in a changing climate.
The central feature of the initiative is the focus on high spatial resolution, 4km or less, enabling more accurate assessment of renewable energy resources at local and regional scales.
This level of detail is crucial for local and regional planning, allowing governments and private investors to pinpoint the most effective locations for new energy infrastructure.
The guidelines also provide a practical framework for:
- Data acquisition and preprocessing
- Statistical downscaling methods
- Integration of local observational data
- Use of climate projections (CMIP6)
- Interpretation of atlas outputs for policy and planning
A Collaborative Model
The National Renewable Energy Atlas initiative is built on a co-production model, involving close collaboration between meteorological services, energy ministries, and national stakeholders. This seeks to ensures products that are not just scientifically robust but also practical for end-users.
Crucially, WMO is providing open-access python codes and training material for all nations to independently maintain and update their atlases. This approach is essential for closing the capacity gap among members.
The methodology has already been successfully piloted in several nations: Croatia, Cuba, Chile, Malawi, The United Republic of Tanzania and Costa Rica.
