The role of space data in supporting the energy transition

Send us a textThe energy and utilities industry is increasingly using space data to support the energy transition and deliver faster and better services at lower costs. In Part 5 of our Energy Transition Talks podcast series, CGI experts Harjit Sheera, Martin Hunt, and Peter Barnes explore the benefits and challenges of harnessing space data.Satellites generate enormous volumes of data that energy and utilities companies are looking to transform into actionable insights to support the energy transition and decarbonization initiatives. Examples range from combining satellite data with other sources, such as LIDAR, to enable accurate rooftop solar power generation calculations, and proactive and targeted management of infrastructure.Using space data to advance micro-generation initiativesIn Northern Europe, says Martin, there is growing interest in microgeneration, especially from private households and apartment buildings. CGI's operations in Estonia support this transition by using open space data, provided either by satellites or light detection and ranging (LIDAR), to enable accurate rooftop solar power generation calculations. "Based on this data, we can make quite precise calculations on what the solar energy production potential for each and every household would be," he says. He explains that evaluating a specific building's potential to generate electricity from solar panels requires analysis of the building's roof, angle, azimuth, and geographical location. Using Earth observation (EO) data, it becomes possible to create a three-dimensional model of the roof to detect such characteristics as well as any obstacles that may prevent mounting the panels. "Basically, you can calculate the total area suitable for the solar panels," says Martin.It's also possible to calculate the amount of annual solar radiation and average temperatures in that specific region or location to predict potential production, and assess if micro-generation is feasible.  MoreVisit our Energy Transition Talks page

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