In the heart of Brazil, where the dry season transforms the landscape into a tinderbox, a groundbreaking system is emerging as a game-changer for the energy sector. The Geospatial Transmission Management System (GGT) is not just another technological innovation; it’s a beacon of hope for preventing the devastating forest fires that have plagued power transmission lines, causing forced shutdowns and blackouts.
Erika Regina Prado do Nascimento, lead author of the study published in ‘Biodiversidade Brasileira’ (translated to ‘Brazilian Biodiversity’), and a key figure at the Brazilian Electricity Regulatory Agency (Aneel), explains, “The GGT system uses geospatial technologies and satellite imagery to monitor safety bands under power transmission lines. It’s a proactive approach to ensure system security and prevent fire shutdowns.”
The stakes are high. During the dry season from July to November, Central Brazil becomes a hotspot for forest fires, leading to recurrent shutdowns. In 2017, burns were the primary cause of forced shutdowns, disrupting the energy sector and causing significant commercial impacts. The GGT system aims to change this narrative.
The system leverages the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to detect maintenance activities. By comparing the NDVI values between two images (T1 and T2), the system can infer the likelihood of maintenance. “The lower the value, the greater the certainty that the company performed the maintenance,” Nascimento elaborates. This innovative use of NDVI has been successfully tested by experts in the field, paving the way for advancements in fire monitoring research.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. The GGT system not only helps prevent forest fires but also ensures compliance with Aneel Normative Resolution 669/2015, which mandates annual inspections of safety bands. By doing so, it mitigates the risk of blackouts and the associated commercial disruptions.
Looking ahead, the GGT system could shape the future of fire monitoring and prevention. Its methodology has proven adequate for detecting landscape changes, offering a proactive approach to preventing future forest fires and burns. As Nascimento puts it, “This is just the beginning. The potential for further developments in this field is immense.”
In a world grappling with climate change and its attendant challenges, the GGT system stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the power of technology to drive positive change. For the energy sector, it’s not just about preventing blackouts; it’s about safeguarding the environment and ensuring a sustainable future.