In this context, Iberdrola, through its PERSEO Start-up Programme, is looking for solutions that make it possible to make predictions that plan and quantify climate-related risks. The aim is to minimise damage to network assets caused by falling trees or branches in the vicinity of power distribution lines, initially in the Vizcaya area. The aim is to quantify the increased risk of damage to the electricity distribution network caused by falling trees and/or branches, with information that will help to answer the following questions: What are the impacts and cost-benefit trade-offs of different investments in the distribution network? What type of investment in the distribution network will reduce risk the most? How can we improve the resilience of the power grid to the threats of climate change?
The prize will consist of a collaboration and test agreement with PERSEO or any other Group company, which will bear the cost of these activities and provide the winner with all necessary technical support, as well as an environment and real data to test the solution, providing access to equipment, teams, infrastructure, high technology sites and shared work areas. The project will be developed in collaboration with technical specialists from the Iberdrola Network area. It will also be included directly in the Global Smart Grids Innovation Hubs registration process, as a collaborator able to benefit from the services, activities and resources that the GSGI Hub makes available. If the trial or test of the concept is satisfactory, Iberdrola may offer the winner the opportunity to scale up the solution, adopting it by means of commercial agreements. What's more, PERSEO will consider investing in the participating company and/or the winner of the challenge.