Powering decisions: A case study of weather and climate services in Senegal’s energy sector

Abstract

Climate services are essential inputs for decision-makers in the energy industry to improve the energy system’s resilience to weather and climate variability and change. The impacts of climate change on the energy system have been discussed over the past decades, and appropriate weather and climate services will help minimize the effects by strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity in the energy sector. However, despite the increasing recognition of their importance, weather and climate services tailored to the energy sector remain limited in West Africa. Climate services assessment for the energy sector is scarce in West Africa. This study presents a case study of the current state of weather and climate services for the energy sector in Senegal based on interview results. The information was collected through a face-to-face interview, which allows direct interaction with the experts. A total of seventeen experts participated in the interview, all working in the energy (thermal, solar, wind) and meteorological sectors. The data was analyzed to identify common themes and patterns. The results from this study show a lack of collaboration between institutions. A need for better communication and exchange between the National Meteorological Office and the energy sector was identified. It also emerged from the interview that most of the participants from the energy sector are willing to receive tailored weather and climate services from the National Meteorological Office. This information is useful for decision-makers to address gaps and improve the energy sector’s resilience.