The Strategic Relationship Agreement between the Bureau of Meteorology and Hydro Tasmania has been extended for another four years, helping the organisations to tackle the impacts of weather on energy management.
The Bureau will provide expert meteorological and climatological services to Hydro Tasmania, which generates electricity using water and wind resources, allowing it to make better operational and strategic decisions.
Bureau of Meteorology CEO, Dr Andrew Johnson, said the agreement highlights that the Bureau is enhancing the impact and value of its services to the Australian community by working closely with industry.
“The services provided by the Bureau enable Hydro Tasmania to better supply energy to Tasmanian households and businesses as well as into the national energy grid,” Dr Johnson said.
“Through the agreement, first signed in 2018, Hydro Tasmania will continue to receive expert weather updates, and insight and analysis of historical conditions and long-term climate outlooks, to inform decision-making and planning for its operations.”
Hydro Tasmania Acting CEO, Ian Brooksbank, said the company relies on tailored information, such as seasonal rainfall outlooks and high-impact severe weather forecasts to make informed decisions.
“Weather is the fuel of the future, and as Australia transitions to renewable energy it will be even more important than ever to have accurate forecasts of rainfall, wind and cloud cover,” Mr Brooksbank said.
“The agreement represents a continued commitment from both organisations to collaborate and work closely together to tackle the complex challenges and impacts the weather can have on energy management as we work towards a clean energy future.”
Dr Johnson said the agreement with Hydro Tasmania is just one example of the Bureau working alongside industries, including agriculture, resources, and the energy sector, for their effective, efficient, and safe operations.
