WMO Issues AI-Based Guidelines to Help Countries Develop National Renewable Energy Atlases by 2030

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has released new technical implementation guidelines aimed at helping countries map and optimise their renewable energy resources through the development of National Renewable Energy Atlases (NRAs).

The guidance provides a science-based framework for National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) to collaborate with ministries of energy and other stakeholders in preparing high-resolution renewable energy atlases covering wind, solar and hydropower resources.

Titled National Renewable Energy Atlases (NRAs) for Wind, Solar and Hydropower – WMO Implementation Guidelines, the document was developed following findings from a 2022–2023 global energy survey conducted by WMO. The survey revealed that many countries lack the high-resolution climate and weather data required for effective renewable energy planning and investment decisions.

In the foreword, WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said the guidance integrates multiple data sources, including reanalysis datasets, ground-based observations, satellite products and future climate projections. She noted that advanced data-driven methods, such as artificial intelligence-based statistical downscaling, are applied to transform complex climate data into actionable insights for policymakers and energy planners.

According to WMO, the objective of the guidelines is to ensure that scientific data translates into improved long-term energy planning and infrastructure development.

The organisation has set a target to support all its Member States in developing high-resolution national renewable energy atlases by 2030.

The initiative contributes directly to global efforts to triple renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency by the end of the decade. It also aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7, which calls for ensuring access to affordable, reliable and modern energy for all.