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A digital twin powered by artificial intelligence (AI) technology is being developed to reduce the risk of weather-related power cuts in the Republic of Ireland.
Ireland’s distribution system operator (DSO) ESB Networks has announced the project in partnership with AI infrastructure modelling platform Neara.
ESB Networks said that as well as forecasting the risk of power cuts during extreme weather events, the digital twin will also speed up the clean energy transition.
Through this new partnership, ESB Networks is deploying Neara’s AI and digital modelling technology to transform the way it identifies and addresses risks across its transmission network spanning over 7,500km.
A digital twin model will map all ESB Networks’ infrastructure using high accuracy LiDAR down to the level of individual structures (poles, towers) and the conductors strung between them.
Risk managers as well as contractors, planners and engineers can then use the model to analyse and stress-test key parts of the network in granular detail within a simulated digital environment.
Teams are then able to prioritise vegetation management, such as tree trimming, accordingly, to prevent potential damage or power outages.
Moving forwards, Neara’s technology is tipped to support ESB Networks’ commitment to advancing the clean energy transition through its investment in key infrastructure upgrades.
The platform can model the impact of power lines and conductors on surrounding buildings and vegetation and the partnership will aim to optimise the use of existing infrastructure by identifying latent capacity where more renewable energy could be run.
Taco Engelaar, senior vice president of Neara, said: “This partnership marks a pivotal moment in climate-proofing our energy supply. Preparing for more violent weather events in advance will be central to keeping communities safe and connected as the climate crisis escalates.
“Proactively managing the hazards that cause distress for families and businesses, like falling trees, is the first step on an exciting road to strengthening our infrastructure. It’s extremely encouraging to see utilities like ESB Networks leading the charge by innovating and exploring new ways of assessing and predicting climate-related risks. We’re thrilled to be partnering with them and look forward to driving this innovation forward to speed up the clean energy transition, optimise the performance of power lines across the region, and keep Ireland connected.”
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