Weather services to grow on rise of green energy

Providers of meteorological services in China are poised for sustained growth as the country's evolving clean energy sector presents fresh opportunities, experts said.

The clean energy sector's fortunes are heavily linked to weather systems and even climate patterns that are known to be random or unpredictable and volatile. But, modern weather forecasting has developed into an exact science, which can empower the sector's attempts at decarbonization for the sake of high-quality economic development, they said.

As the scale of clean energy continues to expand in China, wind and solar power generation relies heavily on high-precision meteorological support, especially when frequent extreme weather events pose challenges to energy supply, necessitating improved meteorological forecasting capabilities, they said.

"During peak summer, winter demand and extreme weather events, meteorological departments provide timely weather warnings and disaster monitoring information, helping us to forecast and prepare in advance, significantly supporting energy security and stable supply," said He Yang, deputy head of the National Energy Administration.

He made the remarks during the 2nd International Summit on Meteorological Economy, a sub-forum at the ongoing 2023 China International Fair for Trade in Services in Beijing.

Petteri Taalas, secretary-general of the World Meteorological Organization, said China has played a vital role in meteorology and climate-related initiatives. Chinese measurements and satellites are pivotal in advancing early warning services, monitoring greenhouse gases, sources and sinks, as well as tracking methane and nitrous oxide emissions.

"China has emerged as one of the global leaders in meteorology. The country boasts modern satellite programs, modern observational systems, and high-computing resources. Moreover, China has actively engaged in personnel training and fostered international collaborations."

Taalas also said China has a well-established system for addressing climate change-induced risks, emphasizing the need for swift action, evacuation procedures and property protection. "We are happy to see China sharing its expertise and experience with other countries."

During this year's CIFTIS, a number of meteorological companies showcased their latest products and technologies. Weather service platform Beijing MojiFengYun Technology Co Ltd launched a new product that provides global radar-integrated precipitation services.

Jiutian Weather presented a new generation of energy and power meteorological service solutions. The company said it will cooperate with Huawei on providing "energy meteorological solutions" by leveraging their expertise in energy meteorology, supercomputing models, artificial intelligence and other related areas.

Beijing-based meteorological service provider Geovis Weitianxin, a subsidiary of State-owned Geovis Technology Co Ltd, has attended CIFTIS for three consecutive years. Zhang Kai, vice-president of the company, said meteorological services play a crucial role in various sectors like agricultural production, transportation and aerospace. "Precise, detailed and customizable meteorological services are becoming new trends."

At the fair, the China Meteorological Service Association signed a strategic agreement with the Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology and Nanjing Jiangbei New Area's intelligent manufacturing industrial park to jointly build China Meteorological Valley.

The initiative, the CMSA said, aims to create a national hub for professional meteorological services, meteorological big data and comprehensive meteorological services, contributing to independent innovation in the sector and China's decarbonization goals.