Denmark is set to improve its utilization of solar energy with faster cloud forecasts, thanks to a new collaboration between the Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI) and Energinet. The enhanced weather predictions, powered by a new satellite and artificial intelligence, will significantly reduce the time it takes to forecast cloud cover over the country from three hours to just ten minutes.

This advancement will enable Energinet, the operator of Denmark’s energy infrastructure, to optimize the activation and deactivation of power plants, improving the balance of the electricity grid. As renewable energy sources gain prominence in Denmark’s energy mix, the need for precise grid balancing becomes increasingly crucial.

Irene Livia Kruse, a DMI researcher involved in the project, explained that the new satellite provides better visibility of cloud locations over Denmark. The implementation of artificial intelligence then allows for more accurate predictions of cloud movement.

The current weather prediction model requires several hours to generate forecasts due to extensive calculations and struggles with accurately predicting cloud formations. The new model, specifically designed to analyze satellite images, offers a much faster solution.

The new satellite is already operational, and the artificial intelligence-driven predictions are expected to be fully functional by early next year. Energinet anticipates that these improved forecasts will lead to cost savings for Danish consumers by enabling more efficient energy management.

Energinet, an independent public company under the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities, is responsible for maintaining and developing Denmark’s energy infrastructure.