SDG&E has launched its Wildfire and Climate Resilience Center, a state-of-the-art facility aimed at strengthening the electrical grid against the growing impacts of climate change. The center integrates AI, predictive modeling, and real-time data with emergency responder technology to support rapid, coordinated responses to regional threats. This approach not only enhances resilience but also improves energy affordability by enabling cost-effective decisions that reduce risk for customers.
“Our focus is on proactive climate preparedness,” said Caroline Winn, SDG&E’s CEO. “Through strategic investments, partnerships, and community engagement, we’re building a robust, sustainable energy grid equipped to face today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.”
Serving as SDG&E’s new Emergency Operations Center, the facility is also a critical resource during extreme weather and major disasters, equipped with advanced communication and coordination tools for public and employee safety.
Key initiatives within the Wildfire and Climate Resilience Center include:
- Advanced Weather Monitoring: One of the nation’s most sophisticated weather forecasting networks, utilizing historical data since 2010 to train AI models, including an industry-first AI-driven Santa Ana Wind Gust forecast model.
- AI and Machine Learning: With over 10 million daily virtual wildfire simulations and more than 3.8 million drone images, SDG&E uses AI to enhance wildfire risk management and infrastructure inspection.
- Academic Partnerships: Collaborations with institutions like Scripps Institution of Oceanography and San Diego Supercomputer Center to refine weather forecasting, visualize moisture data, and detect wildfires via real-time satellite images.
- Community Engagement: Strong collaboration with local communities to foster inclusive climate resilience efforts.
- Fire-Resistant Infrastructure: Investments in fire-hardened systems, including undergrounding, steel poles, and vegetation management, to lower wildfire risks.
- Workforce Training: Comprehensive programs equip the SDG&E team to maintain and operate a resilient grid.
The center also serves as an educational hub, inspiring future energy professionals and engaging local youth in climate resilience through a Resilience Zone. This interactive learning center includes climate science labs and exhibits, fostering hands-on education and supporting SDG&E’s commitment to advancing wildfire and climate science.
