Endesa and its network subsidiary, e-distribución, have presented an innovative project called RESISTO that uses cutting-edge technology to mitigate the impact of climatic phenomena, such as extreme winds and high temperatures, on the Doñana National Park’s electrical grid. Through collaboration with various entities, including IREC (Catalonia Institute for Energy Research), significant advances have been made in environmental protection and preventing the adverse effects of climate change, especially in southern Spain.
The project is based on e-distribución’s electrical network and employs tools from the 4th industrial revolution, such as artificial intelligence (AI), IoT sensing, thermographic cameras, weather stations, fire prevention sensors, and a fleet of autonomous drones. These resources work in a coordinated manner to anticipate extreme weather events, fires, strong wind, or high temperatures in Doñana National Park.
A monitoring system created by IREC, GridWatch, manages and verifies alerts generated by the sensors and cameras, identifying risks using AI. Upon receiving an alert, the autonomous drones depart from their charging stations and send thermographic and visible images to the system.
During a technology demonstration this May (2024) in Doñana, the autonomous drones proved their effectiveness in real-world situations. Collaboration between administration, companies, universities, and entities has been fundamental in carrying out this project.
This initiative, a pioneer in Europe, is a remarkable example of how technological innovation can help protect nature and contribute to the conservation of privileged natural environments like Doñana National Park, and help prevent the adverse effects of climate change.
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