The organisation has trialled using satellite imagery and data analytics across more than 1,700 miles of the energy network in its initial discovery phase.
The initiative is being funded by Ofgem and Innovate UK’s Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), with a view towards improving the monitorisation of the condition of key electricity and gas infrastructure around the clock to enable the National Grid to respond to issues more quickly.
National Grid claims the project, which will commence ‘alpha’ testing in August 2023, could deliver up to £22m in cost savings over the next decade.
“Eye in the Sky is exploring the really exciting prospect of using satellites to monitor grid infrastructure and the surrounding area, helping us understand how and why networks are being affected,” said Sean Coleman, National Grid’s innovation manager.
“If a change is detected, the technology could inform an engineer on the ground who can analyse the data to make a more informed...