Extreme weather events like heatwaves and typhoons pile pressure on power grids worldwide bearing upon energy infrastructure, a new report says, calling for actionable early warnings.

The document, titled Best Practices on Early Warning Systems for the Energy Sector and Electricity Industry: Case Studies from China, focuses on improving energy resilience in the face of climate risks. 

It introduces a framework for integrating climate change adaptation, mitigation and operational efficiency into energy systems, while taking onboard China Meteorological Administration's experience in developing early warning services for the energy sector. It also cites operational case studies from China to show how early warnings work during situations like storms, floods and power shortages.

"National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, together with power system operators, regulators and industry, are expected to deliver not only accurate forecasts, but actionable services that protect infrastructure, safeguard supply and support the transition to clean energy," writes Ardhasena Sopaheluwakan, the vice-president of the WMO Commission for Weather, Climate, Hydrological, Marine and Related Environmental Services and Applications, in the preface to the report.

"Strengthening early warning systems is not only a matter of protecting infrastructure and securing supply, but also a vital contribution to sustainable development and climate resilience," he added.

(With input from Xinhua)