On 3 June, the 2016 European Space Solutions event features a workshop on how the energy sector can benefit from European satellite navigation and Earth observation information.

Energy – and in particular sustainable energy – is one of the most challenging topics of our time. From providing data and better understanding regional and global conditions to influencing smart grids, transmitting electricity and protecting critical infrastructure, space solutions are playing a significant role in addressing a number of energy-related challenges Questions such as ‘how can we realise a sustainable energy system within the constraints of climate change and increasing resource scarcity?’ and ‘how can we accomplish the transition to a low-carbon economy?’ have no easy answers. Furthermore, the ongoing transition to sustainable energy involves a large number of stakeholders, users and providers, all coming to the table from a variety of disciplines, which makes finding an agreeable solution all the more challenging.

Space solutions can play a significant role in addressing a number of these energy-related challenges. From providing data and better understanding regional and global conditions to influencing smart grids, transmitting electricity and protecting critical infrastructure, the European global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) and Earth observation programmes, including Galileo, the European Geostationary Navigational Overlay Service (EGNOS) and Copernicus, are already having a substantial impact on energy production, transportation and conservation.

An array of applications

In the field of energy, space technology has the potential to have a substantial impact. Already Earth observation and satellite navigation applications are aiding energy supply and management professionals and users in consumer-orientated markets in promoting products and services. For example, the Horizon 2020-funded EASY PV project is using GNSS to address the growing need for photovoltaic (PV) field owners to enhance the energy production of their plants. The project is building an automatic system for acquiring, geo-referencing and processing both visible and thermal images captured by a remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) equipped with a Galileo/EGNOS high-accuracy receiver flying over a PV field – making it possible to easily detect and replace defective modules.

Likewise, the LARA project is using state-of-the-art GNSS technologies and interactive computer graphics to allow utility workers to ‘see’ 3D models of underground water, gas and electric grids – with no random digging required. With such precise information available from a mobile, hand-held device, maintenance costs are reduced, as well as the economic, social and environmental implications of lengthy service.

Register today!

As a significant share of the energy market involves GNSS applications and services such as the ones highlighted here, there is a huge opportunity for European businesses, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs. To help European industry better understand – and access – this lucrative market, the European Commission and the European GNSS Agency (GSA), under the auspices of the Dutch Council Presidency, are organising a special session on GNSS and energy as part of the European Space Solutions Conference. 

The Energy Focus Session is a unique opportunity to hear first-hand about the role of GNSS within this dynamic sector. Topics include renewable energy technologies, early-warning systems and risk management, tools for impact assessment and monitoring, using Earth observation to maintain offshore wind farms, satellite-based plant monitoring and GNSS-based timing for power grids – among others.

Users from both public and private sectors will be present, including speakers from the European Union, national energy agencies and organisations, the GSA, and a range of various research institutions and related businesses. The workshop will take place on 3 June 2016 as part of the European Space Solutions Conference in The Hague, The Netherlands. To ensure your business doesn’t miss out on this unique opportunity to get first-hand insights into how space offers real solutions to the energy sector, secure your place by registering today.

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