The renewable energy sector is growing at an unprecedented rate. Solar farms now cover deserts, wind turbines rise along coastlines, and hydro power dams generate clean electricity. In 2024 alone, the global renewable capacity grew by a record 585 gigawatts. This accounted for over 90% of new power additions worldwide, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
But as the transition to clean energy accelerates, climate change itself is increasingly influencing—and sometimes disrupting—renewable energy generation. Experts warn that weather anomalies create new challenges. Shifting precipitation patterns and extreme temperatures also pose challenges to solar, wind, and hydro power infrastructure. Renewable energy sources need to adapt to these changes.
HOW CLIMATE VARIABILITY AFFECTS CLEAN ENERGY OUTPUT
Climate-driven disruptions became evident in 2023. Global temperatures soared 1.45°C above pre-industrial levels. The shift from La Niña to El Niño changed wind speeds. It also altered rainfall and solar radiation worldwide, affecting renewable energy output.
- Hydropower Decline: Sudan and Namibia saw hydropower output plummet by over 50% due to decreased rainfall. Sudan, where hydropower makes up 60% of electricity production, recorded only 100mm of rain—less than half its average annual total.
- Wind Energy Disruptions: In China, the world’s leader in onshore wind power, wind generation increased only 4-8%. This was due to unexpected wind anomalies. In Africa, some regions saw wind energy drop by as much as 30%.
- Solar Power Gains: South America experienced the opposite effect. Clearer skies and increased solar radiation boosted solar power generation by 4-6%. This translated to an additional 3 terawatt-hours of electricity. This amount is enough to power over two million homes.
RENEWABLE ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE FACES CLIMATE RISKS
Dams, wind farms, and solar power plants are designed based on historical climate data. But as weather patterns shift, this infrastructure is becoming increasingly vulnerable. Renewable energy facilities must be prepared for these climate-induced risks.
- Glacier-fed Hydropower: In the Andes and the Himalayas, melting glaciers temporarily increase hydropower capacity. But once these ice reserves vanish, long-term power shortages will emerge.
- Coastal Solar Farms at Risk: Rising sea levels and stronger storms threaten solar installations along coastlines.
- Wildfires & Extreme Heat: Wildfires can destroy power lines. Excessive heat reduces solar panel efficiency. It also strains the electrical grid.
- Nuclear Power Challenges: Heatwaves and dropping river levels affect nuclear power plants, which require consistent water supplies for cooling.
H2: Adapting with Climate Intelligence and AI Forecasting
Experts advocate for climate intelligence to secure a stable energy future. This involves integrating climate forecasts, AI, and data science into energy planning. Using AI, the renewable energy sector can optimize its infrastructure against the changing climate.
- Beyond Historical Data: Traditional energy planning relies on past climate trends, which are no longer reliable. Advanced forecasting models now predict wind speeds, rainfall, and solar radiation months in advance.
- Optimizing Energy Storage & Distribution: AI-driven models help operators anticipate fluctuations, optimize battery storage, and shift power supply between regions.
- Case Studies in AI & Renewable Energy:
- Costa Rica: AI-driven wind speed forecasting helps wind farms reduce downtime and improve efficiency.
- Chile: AI models estimate evaporation rates in reservoirs. The results show that floating solar panels can cut water loss by up to 85% in summer.
H2: The Global South Needs Climate Data & Investment
Africa holds some of the world’s greatest solar potential. However, only 2% of installed renewable capacity is found on the continent. The main obstacle? A lack of reliable climate data and investment. Promoting renewable energy investments in the Global South requires more data and funding.
- Without long-term climate projections, investors hesitate to fund large-scale renewable projects.
- Improved weather monitoring and energy modeling in developing nations could unlock vast untapped potential.
H2: A Diversified Energy Mix Ensures Stability
Heavy reliance on a single renewable source exposes nations to climate variability. Experts urge a balanced mix of solar, wind, hydro, and energy storage systems to ensure the stability of renewable energy.
- Europe’s “Dunkelflaute” Problem: Extended periods of cloudy, windless weather threaten energy supply in winter, emphasizing the need for diversified solutions like battery storage and geothermal power.
CLIMATE-SMART ENERGY SYSTEMS FOR A RESILIENT FUTURE
The clean energy transition depends not just on expansion but on resilience. By integrating climate intelligence, forecasting, and AI, the world can create an adaptive energy system capable of withstanding unpredictable shifts in climate. The future of renewable energy is not just about more wind turbines and solar panels—it’s about ensuring they can endure the forces they are meant to mitigate.