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A new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) highlights the growing role of climate data in ensuring reliable renewable energy systems. Titled 2023 Year in Review: Climate-driven Global Renewable Energy Potential Resources and Energy Demand, the report emphasises the need for climate-informed, diversified energy solutions to meet the goal of tripling renewable capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030. The report examines 2023, marked by the transition from La Niña to El Niño in the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle. This transition impacts wind speed, solar radiation, precipitation, and temperature. 2023 was also the warmest year on record at the time. Mission WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo, IRENA Director-General Francesco Camera, and C3S Director Carlo Buontempo comment in a joint foreword: “Whether it is solar power generation in drier-than-average conditions, wind power generation in regions experiencing shifts from La Niña to El Niño conditions, or hydropower generation in the face of fluctuating precipitation patterns, climate has a direct bearing on both electricity supply and demand.” Highlights Energy indicators: El Niño conditions led to a 3.9% rise in solar PV capacity in South America and a 4.1% increase in wind power in East Asia. Energy Planning: Seasonal forecasts help anticipate supply-demand shifts, enhance grid resilience, and prepare for extreme weather. Policy implications: Diversified energy portfolios and regional cooperation are essential. Improved data collection aids in understanding climate impacts on energy systems. Market structures should adapt to clean power flexibility. Africa’s renewable potential: Despite vast resources, Africa holds just 2% of global installed capacity. Climate-integrated planning can drive economic growth. Renewable energy growth: Wind capacity reached 1,000 GW in 2023 (+13%), solar 1,420 GW (+32%), and hydropower 1,410 GW (+1%). Future projections: Wind: 3,000 GW by 2030, 8,000 GW by 2050. Solar: 5,400 GW by 2030, 18,000 GW by 2050. Hydropower: 1,500 GW by 2030, 2,500 GW by 2050. Targets align with COP28’s UAE Consensus. Cost Reductions: Between 2010-2023, solar costs fell ~90%, wind ~68%. The report additionally emphasises that achieving the 1.5°C climate target requires rapid renewable energy expansion. |
