E.ON and the European Space Agency: driving innovation in the energy sector
New partnership aims to use satellites and space technology to address the challenges of the energy sector – such as monitoring power lines and even promoting smart technologies in the most remote areas.
E.ON is working with the European Space Agency's Business Applications and Space Solutions programme aimed at advancing innovation within the energy sector through satellite applications and space technologies.
This partnership will foster cross-industry collaboration and support the development of innovative space-based applications to address the challenges of the energy industry and energy infrastructure.
One such application is using space-based technologies to survey large areas of electricity grid infrastructure, including underground and forested areas that are often difficult to monitor.
Through this collaboration, E.ON Innovation will work closely with ESA BASS on the Space for Energy Infrastructure initiative – exploring opportunities for satellite applications such as the automatic detection of damage to power lines caused by extreme weather or unannounced construction sites.
E.ON operates 8,000 miles of high-voltage power lines in forest areas across Europe and the ability to monitor and detect potential damage is crucial for maintaining a resilient grid. By utilising satellite imagery and sensors, E.ON aims to enhance the monitoring and oversight of its grid, ensuring the reliability and efficiency of its energy infrastructure.
Space applications can play a significant role in supporting the sustainable growth of green energy economy. Innovation will unlock significant opportunities for innovative space-based applications which will showcase the impact of space technologies on the energy sector.
The partnership between E.ON and ESA BASS highlights the significant role satellite technologies and applications play in the evolution of the energy sector.
Satellite imagery can be used to monitor energy infrastructure, detect potential structural problems, and measure energy consumption in remote areas. Additionally, solutions such as robots and drones could improve efficiency and reduce safety risks to humans during installation, operation, and decommissioning of renewable energy plants in remote areas.
The value of space technologies extends beyond monitoring and surveillance. Satellite communications enable secure and constant communication services for monitoring assets and infrastructure grid Internet-of-Things devices in remote locations.
Global Navigation Satellite Systems facilitate navigation and tracking of vehicles, people, and goods, while satellite Earth observation provides valuable data for monitoring working sites, planning and construction of infrastructure, and identifying patterns and trends linked to infrastructure safety risks.
E.ON Innovation and ESA BASS are actively seeking teams with innovative ideas involving the utilisation of space technology or space data in the energy infrastructure markets.
About ESA Business Applications and Space Solutions
ESA Business Applications and Space Solutions is the go-to place for great business ideas involving space in all areas of society and economy. Our mission is to support entrepreneurs in Europe in the development of business using satellite applications and space technology to improve everyday life, delivering environmental and societal benefits.
For more information visit https://business.esa.int