Weather, Climate, and the Energy Industry

Abstract

Some of the key interactions between the atmosphere and the energy industry are considered, with a special focus on concepts and forecasts through which atmospheric science assists the industry and its support for society. Probabilistic weather and seasonal forecasts take advantage of contemporary understanding and computer power to clarify the envelope of expectation for risk and opportunity in the industry on the scale of days and seasons. The quality of seasonal forecasts is examined with two statistical verification schemes. Climate change, regardless of cause, poses potential challenges for the energy industry, perhaps the most significant arising from political and economic pressures. A formal analysis scheme is outlined that may assist energy companies to foresee and manage the implications and consequences of climate change for their business.