Vaisala and Safegrid are embarking on a collaborative journey aimed at empowering Transmission System Operators (TSOs) and Distribution System Operators (DSOs) to shore up the resilience of the modern electrical grid.
This pioneering partnership brings together the highly precise AI-driven grid fault location and prediction capabilities of Safegrid’s Intelligent Grid System® with Vaisala’s Xweather service – the gold standard for real-time meteorological data and advanced forecasting models. This provides operators with a full view of ongoing and impending faults in power grids synchronized with weather events that impact grid state, such as thunderstorms and wind gusts near power lines.
The combined efforts of Vaisala and Safegrid will enable operators to take better informed, proactive steps to prepare for weather events likely to induce grid faults as well as characterize the root cause of asset failures. As a result, operators will be able to minimize costly downtime, improve operating margins and bolster overall grid reliability for their customers.
Jussi Hakunti, Chief Development Officer of Safegrid, underscores the transformative impact of this collaboration, stating, “Through this collaboration, we are able to bring together full grid situational awareness into one view. With respect to predictive risk avoidance, we will be able to identify sections of the power grid at particular risk to approaching thunderstorms. The service will also allow us to assess areas of the grid where weather events can cause vegetation to come into contact with power lines – a leading cause of wildfires. With this new service, we can provide the customer with more detailed information about where and when they should go to inspect the situation on-site, saving time on unnecessary trips.”
This strategic alliance between Vaisala and Safegrid exemplifies a shared commitment to revolutionizing grid management practices, enhancing resilience against weather-related challenges, and ushering in a new era of reliability and efficiency in power distribution networks.
According to Xweather’s Solutions Director John Liljelund, “Vaisala Xweather is the easiest-to-integrate weather platform, powered by the most accurate and relevant measurement data trusted by national meteorological organizations, weather-dependent businesses, and even NASA. Combined with Safegrid’s novel technology, it offers Transmission System Operators (TSOs) and Distribution System Operators (DSOs) exceptional visibility over the grid, paired with robust severe weather forecasts and alerts. With confidence, I say that the solution takes the protection and optimization of grid maintenance operations to the next level.
For further information, please contact:
Jussi Hakunti, Chief Development Officer of Safegrid, jussi@safegrid.io, p. +358 40 582 5229
John Liljelund, Director Xweather Solutions, john.liljelund@vaisala.com, +358 400 681 061
About Vaisala Oyj:
Vaisala is a global leader in measurement instruments and intelligence for climate action. We equip our customers with devices and data to improve resource efficiency, drive energy transition, and care for the safety and well-being of people and societies worldwide. With almost 90 years of innovation and expertise, we employ a team of over 2,300 experts committed to taking every measure for the planet. Vaisala series A shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki stock exchange. www.vaisala.com
About Vaisala Xweather:
Vaisala Xweather brings weather confidence to decision-makers in every weather-sensitive business. By combining local sensor data with advanced AI predictions, we deliver precise and actionable weather insights. We transform weather challenges into opportunities to optimize safety and efficiency while improving resilience against severe weather and climate change.
About Safegrid Oy:
Safegrid is the provider of the Intelligent Grid System® which helps utilities and grid operators locate, predict, and prevent grid faults and improve grid performance with instant-on wireless sensors and cloud-based monitoring and analytics. Safegrid is based in Espoo, Finland. www.safegrid.io