Satelline
Status:
Complete
Project Reference Number:
NIA_UKPN0091
STRATEGY THEME:
  • Net zero and the energy system transition
START DATE:
END DATE:
Project summary
Funding Licensee(s):
  • UKPN - Eastern Power Networks Plc
  • UKPN - London Power Networks Plc
  • UKPN - South Eastern Power Networks Plc
Funding mechanism:
  • NIA_RIIO-2
Technology:
  • Asset Management
  • Maintenance & Inspections
  • Overhead Lines
Expenditure:
£413,000
Summary
Learnings
Documents

Vegetation management by electricity networks is used to minimise contact between trees/other vegetation and our overhead power lines to minimise disruption to our customers and improve safety. The current solution used by many networks to scan overhead lines and nearby vegetation is remote sensing Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and there are concerns that the cost of future scans could double. Networks are also seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and LiDAR scans are typically performed by aircraft that produce greenhouse gases and can cause noise pollution. Satelline aims to test satellite technology as an alternative to LiDAR and demonstrate whether the technology can accurately measure vegetation proximity to UK Power Networks’ overhead lines whilst exploring the costs and benefits of the technology.

Benefits

Base Cost

·       Anticipated future LiDAR inspections every two years ~ £4m

·       Annual tree cutting costs for ED2 ~ £20m

·       CO2 emissions due to LiDAR activities every two years ~ 223 tonnes

Method Cost

·       Implementation cost post project trial ~ £6m

·       Annual running costs (Annual scans and interim partial scans for quality audit, full processing of data across HV and EHV network, support, hosting, maintenance and report customisation) ~ £1.5m

Benefits include:

·       15% optimisation savings to the tree cutting costs due to business transformation (efficiencies within vegetation management processes) and tree cutting prioritisation algorithm ~ £1.5m savings per year

·       4% annual reduction in the CIs and CMLs related to vegetation management ~ £111k and £208k respectively

·       Societal benefit due to avoidance of 223 tonnes CO2 emissions every two years (satellites move with the earth’s natural gravity after being put in orbit and do not emit CO2) ~ £16k every two years                                                                            

The expected project benefits if satellite technology is adopted during ED2 are £4.3m

 

A detailed cost benefit analysis will be performed during the project.   

 

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