For the first time, vegetation risk to the entire us electrical transmission grid has been analyzed with satellite data; LiveEO publishes results for free online
Vegetation encroachment risk to the entire publicly available U.S. transmission grid has been analyzed from space by the Berlin-based startup LiveEO.
The goal of this large-scale analysis was to demonstrate LiveEO’s analytic capabilities to a North American audience. In total, over 15,000 public satellite images were used to evaluate risk to 574,000 miles of electricity lines.
Details about the analysis can be found here.
The analysis covers the detection of vegetation along the transmission grid and highlights the grid segments that are exposed at dangerously close distances. These are some of the biggest challenges and operational cost factors for utility companies in maintaining their assets.
LiveEO took part in the 2020 DISTRIBUTECH International start-up challenge called Initiate and took home the win.
Vegetation is one of the main challenges for utilities globally, causing up to 56% of externally triggered power interruptions. In the United States alone, approximately US $6 billion is spent on vegetation management by utility companies annually, according to the company.
“The scale combined with the detail of the analysis represents a milestone in satellite data analytics for utility companies and proves that satellite data represents a viable alternative for vegetation management to Lidar or foot patrols.” said LiveEO’s Co-Founder Daniel Seidel in a press release.
“These insights can be made actionable directly via our tool set of mobile and web apps, and API integrations to improve workforce efficiency in the field and to realize OPEX saving” added LiveEO’s other Co-Founder Sven Przywarra.
Besides the sole detection of vegetation distance from transmission grids, LiveEO is experienced in highly accurate and efficient investigations of vegetation height, condition, and species determination to improve cycle trimming activities and dangerous tree removal while reducing vegetation management costs on transmission and distribution levels.
LiveEO offers a sample analysis using commercial satellite data of their network free of charge for utility customers.
Watch a video interview with Przywarra below.
