Asset Management Moonshot Successfully Landed

Context

In 2021, Elia Group proudly launched its ambitious multiyear Moonshot program, aimed at tackling some of the biggest challenges in the energy transition and demonstrating the use of concrete solutions to reach this goal. 

The Asset Management Moonshot, one of the five projects in our Moonshot program, aims to innovate the way we identify incidents. By using digital models, machine learning and drones, Elia Group can significantly improve its asset management.

Approach

In this 'landing' video, we show how we implemented this project in two steps. First, the APA team and the Data Science Sub-Chapter developed a model based on machine learning: the ICR ("Incident Cause Recognition") algorithm. With an impressive 84% accuracy rate, this algorithm can identify the cause of an incident on a line within 10 minutes.

Next, Group Innovation and the Operational Centre of Excellence (OCE) and Asset Management (AM) teams tested an advanced 'Drone-in-a-Box' system. This cutting-edge technology allows drones to fly autonomously and be controlled beyond the pilot's visual line of sight ('Beyond Visual Line of Sight' or BVLOS). Each drone can send razor-sharp 360° images of assets in real time thanks to a 5G connection. If an alarm is triggered, these drones can be on site within 10 minutes, significantly improving response time.

Next steps

Recently, Elia Group and Infrabel - the rail operator in Belgium - explored the possibility of jointly implementing a 'Drone-in-a-Box' system in Belgium. A successful collaboration could significantly reduce the operational costs of these facilities, making asset management even more efficient.

The Asset Management Moonshot is a testament to our commitment to innovation and efficiency. We are deploying advanced technologies to ensure a smooth and sustainable energy transition. 

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