Utility Iberdrola Seeks Technological Solutions To Protect Birds On Electricity Grids

Iberdrola currently maintains more than 1.1 million km of electricity transmission and distribution power lines, distributed throughout the United States, Brazil, the United Kingdom, and Spain. More than 4.400 high to medium voltage substations, and more than 1.5 million medium to low voltage distribution transformers, provide high quality and reliable service to a total of 31 million electricity supply points.

In its effort to minimize the impact of power lines on birds, Iberdrola is launching a new Startup Challenge in search of innovative solutions to enable sustainable coexistence.

How Birds Are Affected By Power Lines

The structure and location of power transmission infrastructure include electricity pylons — essential elements for the transmission and distribution of electrical power. These act as the perfect vantage points for birds in search of rest and food. Birdlife faces the risk of electrocution simply by perching on these lines. Moreover, overhead cables can obstruct their flight path, leading to a loss of biodiversity and occasionally poses the risk of a fire hazard.

For this reason, Iberdrola is working to improve upon existing solutions that enhance bird protections. In addition, they also seek solutions that allow more sustainable management of vegetation.

Who Should Apply

The Iberdrola Startup Challenge is looking for solutions that address the following key areas identified for innovative interventions to enable the sustainable development of the energy utility sectors:

• Technology-driven solutions that prevent bird electrocution
• Technology-driven solutions that prevent bird and infrastructure collisions
• Technical solutions that incorporate durable materials to facilitate the operation and maintenance of the power lines
• Solutions that allow more sustainable management of vegetation

Why Your Startup Should Apply

Gain Access To Iberdrola’s Ecosystem

• Access market know-how
• Access key technologies
• Gain a single point of contact

Demonstrate Your Solutions Through Pilot Programs

• Access large volumes of real-world data
• Test your technology in a real environment
• Potentially scale your solution into Iberdrola’s networks & infrastructure

In addition, PERSEO may decide to invest in your solution.

The Startup Challenge & Timeline

Application Deadline: 27 July 2020

Proposals Analysis: July – September 2020

The proposal will be scrutinized based on the following criteria:

• The scalability of your solution
• The compatibility of its design for electrical installations
• The suitability of the materials used

All startup applications will be analyzed by experts in the medium voltage (MV) networks and sustainability from the different regions.

Pilot Project Starts: October 2020 – March 2021

The project will be implemented in collaboration with specialist technicians from the Iberdrola network.

Leading The Charge To Develop Sustainable Energy Innovations

The Iberdrola – PERSEO International Startup Program aims to facilitate the group’s access to the technologies of the future & promote the creation of a global and dynamic ecosystem of technology companies and entrepreneurs in the electricity sector. Its key objectives are:

• Early identification of key trends for the future of the company
• Access to groundbreaking technologies and business models
• Fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurial activity

With PERSEO, the Iberdrola group actively seeks innovative solutions that enable improvements to its operations and minimize its environmental footprint.

The most recent challenge, Protecting Marine Mammals, which was launched in April, seeks technologies to monitor marine mammals and to preserve animal life in the ecosystem of the Vineyard Wind offshore wind farm.

In 2019, the group organized two Startup Challenges. The first challenge, Resilience to Natural Disasters, received 148 proposals from 131 companies in 24 countries. The winner, Swedish startup Skyqraft, presented a proposal for facility supervision using drones. The second challenge, Photovoltaic Cleaning, received 74 proposals from 70 startups in 25 countries, and four winners were announced.

Apply for the Birdlife Protection Challenge by 27 July to pilot test your solution with the industry leader!

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