Satellite-based solar radiation nowcasting for the energy transition and UV warnings (NOWCASTSUN)

Solar radiation impacts society in various ways. Two important examples are the harvesting of solar radiation, which plays a major role in the energy transition, and the exposure of human skins to ultraviolet radiation, which constitutes a threat to public health. Accurate, detailed and timely forecasts of solar radiation are required to inform society on these matters. In this project, building on an award-winning pilot study, we want to create an operational solar radiation nowcasting system based on satellite observations. Improvements in terms of spatio-temporal resolution and spectral information content will be investigated and implemented. New opportunities to move from deterministic to probabilistic forecasts and to add estimates of high-frequency variability will be explored.