Global | October 8, 2024

Protecting the Power Grid with AI and Satellite Imaging

By combining high-resolution imaging with predictive AI, utilities can reduce the risk of power outages and improve their overall sustainability.

 

Image for illustration purposes.

As the world transitions to cleaner and renewable energy sources, power grids face new challenges in maintaining resilience and efficiency. One of the key issues is vegetation management, as overgrown trees and shrubs can cause power outages and equipment damage. To address this, California-based startup AiDash is using advanced satellite imaging and artificial intelligence (AI) to help utilities manage vegetation risks.

Traditional methods of vegetation management rely on manual field estimates, which can be time-consuming and costly. In contrast, AiDash’s system uses high-resolution satellite imaging to capture detailed pictures of power lines and surrounding vegetation. The company’s AI models then analyze this data to identify potential risks and predict outages days before they occur.

This technology has already shown promising results. In a proof-of-concept trial with National Grid‘s US business, AiDash’s Intelligent Vegetation Management technology helped realize approximately $2 million in efficiencies.

AiDash’s system provides a cost-effective solution for utilities to supplement manual field estimates. By combining satellite imaging with AI, utilities can prioritize grid-hardening activities and reduce the risk of power outages.

How it Works

AiDash’s system uses advanced satellites to capture high-resolution images of power lines and surrounding vegetation. The company’s AI models then analyze this data to identify potential risks and predict outages. The system provides near real-time imagery of tree and shrub conditions, allowing utilities to take proactive measures to prevent outages.

Benefits

AiDash’s technology offers several benefits for utilities, including:

  • Improved grid resilience: By identifying potential risks and predicting outages, utilities can take proactive measures to prevent power outages and reduce the risk of equipment damage.
  • Cost savings: AiDash’s system provides a cost-effective solution for utilities to supplement manual field estimates.
  • Enhanced sustainability: By reducing the risk of power outages and equipment damage, utilities can improve their overall sustainability and reduce their environmental impact.

Source: EE Power