Extreme weather events have become increasingly severe and frequent over the past few decades, posing significant challenges to utility companies and energy providers. Neara, a startup based in Redfern, New South Wales, Australia, is addressing these challenges by harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.
Neara enables utility companies to create large-scale models of their power networks and assess potential risks from factors such as wildfires and flooding. By utilizing AI and machine learning, Neara’s digital models simulate the impact of extreme weather events on electricity supplies, facilitating faster power restoration, ensuring the safety of utility teams, and mitigating the overall impact of adverse weather conditions.
Co-founder Jack Curtis emphasizes the importance of Neara’s technology in response to the increasing frequency and severity of severe weather events worldwide. The platform enables energy providers and utilities to proactively prepare for possible disruptions caused by high winds, wildfires, floodwaters, and ice and snow buildups.
Neara’s AI and machine learning capabilities have already been integrated into the tech stacks of several utilities globally, including Southern California Edison, SA Power Networks, Endeavor Energy, ESB, and Scottish Power. The startup’s models are trained on extensive data from diverse network territories and leverage LiDAR imagery to accurately simulate weather events.
One of Neara’s key applications is in predictive wildfire detection. Southern California Edison utilizes the platform to identify areas where vegetation is most likely to catch fire accurately. This not only improves fire prevention efforts but also helps inspectors determine where to go without risking their safety.
Another success story involves Neara’s collaboration with SA Power Networks in Australia. After experiencing severe flooding, SA Power Networks used Neara’s digital flood impact modeling to assess the damage and plan power line reconnection. The process, which typically took months, was completed in just 15 minutes, allowing the utility to re-energize power lines and restore electricity within five days instead of the anticipated three weeks.
Looking ahead, Neara is continuously evolving its AI and machine learning capabilities. The company aims to help utilities extract more value from their existing live and historical data and plans to expand the range of data sources it can use for modeling. Image recognition and photogrammetry are among the focus areas for future development. By leveraging advanced technology, Neara is transforming the way utilities manage and respond to weather-related risks, ensuring the reliability and resilience of power networks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Neara’s AI-powered technology for utility companies:
Q: What does Neara’s technology aim to address?
A: Neara’s technology addresses the challenges posed by increasingly severe and frequent extreme weather events to utility companies and energy providers.
Q: How does Neara use AI and machine learning?
A: Neara utilizes AI and machine learning to create large-scale models of power networks and simulate the impact of extreme weather events.
Q: What benefits does Neara’s technology provide?
A: Neara’s technology facilitates faster power restoration, ensures the safety of utility teams, and mitigates the overall impact of adverse weather conditions. It helps utilities proactively prepare for disruptions caused by weather events and assess potential risks.
Q: Which companies have integrated Neara’s technology?
A: Neara’s AI and machine learning capabilities have been integrated into the tech stacks of several utilities globally, including Southern California Edison, SA Power Networks, Endeavor Energy, ESB, and Scottish Power.
Q: What is one of the key applications of Neara’s technology?
A: Neara’s technology is used for predictive wildfire detection, where it helps identify areas where vegetation is most likely to catch fire accurately.
Q: What is an example of successful implementation of Neara’s technology?
A: SA Power Networks in Australia used Neara’s digital flood impact modeling to assess damage and plan power line reconnection after severe flooding. The process, which typically took months, was completed in just 15 minutes, allowing the utility to restore electricity within five days.
Q: What are Neara’s plans for future development?
A: Neara aims to help utilities extract more value from their existing live and historical data and plans to expand the range of data sources it can use for modeling. It is focusing on image recognition and photogrammetry for future development.
Key Terms and Definitions:
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans, enabling them to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence.
2. Machine Learning: Machine learning is an application of AI where systems automatically learn and improve from experience, without being explicitly programmed.
3. Tech Stacks: Tech stacks refer to the combination of software, frameworks, programming languages, and tools used to build and support an application or technology solution.
4. LiDAR Imagery: LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing technology that uses laser light pulses to measure distances and generate detailed, three-dimensional information about the Earth’s surface.
Suggested Related Links:
1. Southern California Edison
2. SA Power Networks
3. Endeavor Energy
4. ESB
5. Scottish Power
The source of the article is from the blog kewauneecomet.com