Start-up challenge:
Electricity network resilience
Solutions to expand the adaptability of the electricity grid to extreme weather
At PERSEO, we are seeking advanced computing techniques to improve the resilience of the distribution infrastructure, anticipating extreme weather events and minimising their impact on customers.
Iberdrola has positioned itself as one of the world’s leading energy companies, employing more than 41,000 people and working with over 22,000 supplier companies. The company is engaged in the generation, distribution and retail of electricity.
Iberdrola operates more than 400,000 substations and transformer centres in the US, Brazil, UK and Spain, and more than 260,000km of power lines in Spain alone.
Electricity networks have become the backbone of modern life, touching virtually every aspect of society. The supply of electric power is increasingly essential, not only to safeguard day-to-day quality of life but also to enable new activities arising from the electrification of the economy (transport, industry and so on). This is where the concept of electricity-grid resilience takes centre stage, owing to multiple potential risks such as extreme weather events and natural disasters.
Resilience is therefore vital to ensure a stable and reliable network supply, focusing on minimising the impact of risks and enabling rapid recovery while protecting the grid against interruptions and facilitating adaptation to future changes and challenges.
To keep network assets in optimal operating condition and guarantee their correct performance in most foreseeable scenarios, it is essential to have detailed information on the assets and potential adverse phenomena or risks, to carry out periodic maintenance of the electrical infrastructure and to manage efficiently the resolution of incidents caused by external factors.
Iberdrola has conducted trials to integrate technologies that enhance grid resilience, for example assessing vegetation status using satellites and generating provincial heat maps of failure probability in the face of adverse meteorological events, employing advanced computing techniques, AI and satellite imagery. Solutions that are effective and can be integrated into day-to-day operations will therefore be prioritised, ensuring appropriate levels of industrial maturity and direct applicability to the challenge at hand.
Challenge description
Through our PERSEO start-up programme, we have launched a challenge to find solutions focused on increasing the resilience of electrical infrastructure. This includes the use of advanced computing techniques to improve the resilience of the distribution network, anticipating extreme weather events and minimising their impact on customers.
In order to address this challenge, the management of adverse events has been divided into two phases:
1. Pre-incident computing
- Simulation of the impact of extreme weather conditions (mainly floods, cyclogenesis/tornadoes/snowfalls).
- Quantitative calculation of impact and resilience measures for network assets against specific disruptions in the short/medium/long term.
- Optimisation of network design to increase resilience, considering probabilities and damage from extreme weather events.
2. Post-incident computing in emergency situations
- Prioritisation of incident resolution based on impact criteria (essential supplies, vital supports, etc.).
- Calculation of the location for generators/batteries.
- Management of learned displacements: Real-time management of barriers/problems encountered (e.g. road closures, collapsed bridges, flooded areas, impassable paths...) by mobile app users during adverse weather conditions. These “alerts” should inform users of all identified problems related to facilities that affect navigation to the destination site.
The proposed solution must meet the following objectives:
- Integrable: We seek solutions that allow adaptation/integration with existing systems at Iberdrola, with consideration given to the type of technological solution offered (SaaS, PaaS, on-premise, API, SDK...).
- Scalable: Proposals that allow for controlled, phased scaling will be prioritised, with the goal of expanding the number of assets to be managed or the geographical scope to be monitored.
- Effective: It will be necessary to detail the timeframes required to obtain results upon request and with an adverse weather event in the short term.
- Efficient: The proposed solution must provide a breakdown of associated costs, distinguishing between fixed and variable costs.
- Optimisation of tasks: The aim is to refine the resolution of incidents during adverse events while taking into account available resources (personnel and materials).
- Increased awareness and training: It is essential to raise awareness and provide training to employees on resilience issues.
- Implementation of innovative technologies: The adoption of innovative technologies is key to improving resilience. These technologies must be capable of serving as a model for other companies in the sector, demonstrating their effectiveness and efficiency.
Start-up challenge:
Electricity network resilience
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
June
23 June
Launch of the challenge
Start of proposal submission period
-
Weekly review of received applications -
Initial proposal screening by business team -
Interaction with external provider to resolve queries
September
16 September
Start of analysis and winner selection
-
Analysis of submitted proposals based on form information and evaluation criteria -
Clarification meetings with start-ups -
Preparation of a shortlist
October
18-20 October
Selection of participating start-ups
-
Face-to-Face pitch with Iberdrola at Enlit Europe
October
26 October
End of proposal analysis
-
Winner selection -
Announcement of winners on Iberdrola.com and other media platforms
The prize
The prize will consist of signing a collaboration and testing agreement with PERSEO or any other company within the group, which will cover the costs of these activities and provide the winner with the necessary technical support, as well as a real environment and data to test the solution (network topology, physical location, and asset characteristics...), granting access to equipment, teams, infrastructures, high-tech sites, and joint working areas.
The selected project will be developed in collaboration with technical specialists from Iberdrola's Networks department. In addition, the winner will be directly included in the process of joining the Global Smart Grids Innovation Hub as another collaborator, benefiting from the services, activities, and resources available at the GSGI Hub.
If the trial or proof of concept is successful, Iberdrola could offer the participant the opportunity to scale the solution, adopting it through commercial agreements. Furthermore, PERSEO may consider investing in the participating company and/or the winning solution of the challenge.
Any questions about the project?
What is the GSGI Hub?
This challenge is launched under the framework of the new smart grid innovation centre, the Global Smart Grids Innovation Hub. Iberdrola España will make the Hub a global benchmark in smart grids, through open collaboration and co-working between i-DE specialists, suppliers, start-ups and different organisations from around the world.
Why are Iberdrola España and Perseo the right partners for my company?
Iberdrola España is no stranger to working with start-ups and emerging companies: in the last two years, the Group has launched more than 22 Start-up Challenges to address urgent problems facing today's power grids.
Working with Iberdrola España is a unique opportunity: winning this Challenge will reward you with the signing of a collaboration agreement to develop a Proof of Concept (PoC). The PoC will be carried out in collaboration with our Networks technical specialists. In addition, PERSEO covers the costs of the pilot and provides you with the technical support you might need, giving you access to real infrastructures and data to test your solution. Last but not least, PERSEO might consider investing in your solution!
What are the key benefits of the challenge for me?
- Collaboration Agreement and Pilot Test: The prize for the winner consists of a collaboration and test agreement with PERSEO or any other company of the Iberdrola España group. The group will cover the cost of the pilot.
- Access to all areas: Iberdrola España will provide the winner with all necessary technical support, as well as a site and real data to test the solution. This includes access to equipment, hardware, infrastructure, high-tech sites and shared work spaces.
- Scale up your technology: If the pilot is successful, Iberdrola España may offer the winner the opportunity to scale up the solution by adapting it through commercial agreements.
- Investment: PERSEO will also consider investing in the participating company and/or the winner of the challenge.
Who will judge the proposals?
The team of experts from Iberdrola's Networks business will be responsible for selecting the innovative solution or solutions, or the creation of a specific strategic alliance that contributes to accelerating the launch of new initiatives linked to the prediction of net electricity demand over planned grid capacity in the context of the energy transition.
How will registrations be evaluated?
When evaluating your proposals, Iberdrola will consider, among others, the following value propositions:
- The maturity, reliability and scalability of the solution.
- The simplicity of maintenance and use of the solution.
- Integration with current systems.
- The total cost, both initial and recurring.
- Additional uses that can be made of the technology employed.
Who can participate in the challenge?
Entrepreneurs, start-ups, researchers, specialists and innovators able to scale up their solutions and negotiate partnerships and commercial contracts together with a company with global reach.
Can I send in more than one proposal?
You are welcome to submit more than one proposal, just be sure to submit one application form for each.
Who should I contact if I have any questions that are not listed here or for further information?
Send an email directly to IberdrolaChallenge@iberdrola.es.