Transmission Construction Automation

Thank you for your applications!

the startup challenge by

More transmission networks are needed to facilitate the energy transition from fossil fuels to renewables and transport this green energy to the load centers and customers. In order to minimize the impact of these new facilities on both the environment and cost to consumers, it’s essential to seek out innovative and efficient ways to improve our construction techniques for both transmission substations and lines.

These new facilities are built within a regulatory competition framework, where different operators compete to build and operate the facilities in the most efficient way.

Because of this, the construction of these facilities plays a very important role in establishing which operators are the most competitive, resulting in optimal construction schedules and efficient CAPEX (capital expenditure), always guaranteeing correct operation and maintenance once the installation is in service.

Iberdrola is, therefore, looking for proposals that:

Solutions that extend construction work hours — through the use of automation and robotics, for example — up to 24 hours.

Solutions that are based on the automation of construction processes, improve the efficiency and/or safe working environment of the crews.

Solutions that minimize the impact of pandemics or other events that may restrict crew access and activity at construction sites

Specifically, the proposals received must refer to the improvement of construction time and CAPEX of at least some of the following construction activities for electric transmission facilities, with special attention to those related to civil works:

Substations

Civil Works
• Substation platform construction
• Foundations (on-site/pre-fac)
• Cable trenches

Above Ground Works (BOP)
• Cable laying
• Structures erection

Lines (Overhead/Underground)

Civil Works
• Access roads/pad construction
• Towers/poles foundations
• Cable trenches/conduit

Above Ground Works
• Towers/poles erection
• Stringing
• Cable laying: multi-phase conductors

Iberdrola has more than 1.1 million kilometers of electric transmission and distribution power lines, distributed in the United States, Brazil, the United Kingdom, and Spain. As part of this network, there are more than 4.400 high-to-medium voltage substations and more than 1.5 million medium-to-low voltage distribution transformers, all built and operated to provide high quality and reliable service to a total of 31 millions of electricity supply points.

Furthermore, Iberdrola is a pioneer in the digitization of its networks through the development of smart grids, the integration of storage solutions, and the deployment of electric vehicle charging stations.

Participating in this Startup Challenge further benefits the winner in the following ways:

Pilot Project

The best team will sign a collaboration agreement PERSEO, Iberdrola's VC arm. Iberdrola will assume pilot project costs & will provide the winner with technical support, a real environment & data to test their solution.

New Clients & Investors

If the pilot succeeds, Iberdrola will add solutions to its service territory. Besides, PERSO, the Venture Capital arm of Iberdrola, might consider investing in the winning solution as well.

Scalability of Business

For the winner of this Startup Challenge, Iberdrola offers the possibility to scale their solutions and technology into more of Iberdrola's regions and assets.

Timeline

21 September 2020
Applications Open

2 November 2020
Application Deadline

Nov & Dec 2020
Analysis of Proposals

Late December 2020

Winner Announcement

2021

Pilot Project

Contact Iberdrola
IberdrolaChallenge@iberdrola.es

FAQ

See our responses to some of the most common questions or view our Terms & Conditions.

Why is Iberdrola the right partner for my company?

Iberdrola has more than 1.1 million kilometers of electric transmission and distribution power lines, distributed in the United States, Brazil, the United Kingdom and Spain. As part of this network there are more than 4.400 high-to-medium voltage substations and more than 1.5 million medium-to-low voltage distribution transformers, all built and operated to provide a high quality and reliable service to a total of 31 millions of electricity supply points.

Furthermore, the company is a pioneer in the digitization of its networks through the development of smart grids, the integration of storage solutions and the deployment of electric vehicle charging stations.

All this work is carried out in parallel to a great effort to minimize the environmental impact of these facilities.

Iberdrola is no stranger to collaborating with startups. The group actively seeks to generate mutually beneficial partnerships and to facilitate the implementation of the best ideas.

What solutions are you looking for?

Iberdrola is looking for proposals that:

➡ Extend construction work hours — through the use of automation and robotics, for example — up to 24 hours.
➡ Are based on the automation of construction processes and improve the efficiency and/or safe working environment of the crews.
➡ Minimize the impact of pandemics or other events that may restrict crew access and activity at construction sites.

Specifically, the proposals received must refer to the improvement in times and CAPEX of at least some of the following construction activities for electric Transmission facilities, with special attention to those related to civil works

Substations:
➡ Civil works:
• Substation platform construction
• Foundations (on site/pre-fac)
• Cable trenches
➡ Above ground works (BOP):
• Cable laying
• Structure erection

Lines (overhead/underground):
➡ Civil works:
• Access roads/pad construction
• Towers/poles foundations
• Cable trenches/conduit
➡ Above ground works:
• Towers/poles erection
• Stringing: pilot wire, conductors, earth wire, OPGW, multi phase conductors, spacers, dampers and deflectors (eliminate any basket work)
• Cable laying: multi phase conductors

What are the Challenge's key benefits for me?

There are many reasons why you should apply for this Challenge:

• The winner of the challenge will sign a partnership contract with Iberdrola
• The Challenge offers to test your technology in Iberdrola's networks
• If the pilot succeeds, Iberdrola will add solutions to its current portfolio
• The Challenge offers the possibility to scale your technology into more of Iberdrola's regions and assets
• Perseo, the VC arm of Iberdrola, might consider an investment

What do I need to know about the Pilot Project?

The winner of the challenge will sign a partnership contract and be able to test our their solution.

Furthermore, Iberdrola will:

• bear the costs of such collaboration and testing activities
• provide the technical support to test the solution proposed, granting access to equipment, teams, infrastructures, high-tech locations, and co-working areas
• provide a real environment and data to test the solution

The pilot project will be implemented in collaboration with specialist technicians from Iberdrola's network area.

Can I submit more than one proposal?

You are welcome to submit more than one proposal, just make sure to submit a separate application form for each.

When is the application deadline?

The application period for this challenge ends on 2 November 2020.

How will the applications be evaluated?

All proposals will be analyzed based on criteria of scalability, replicability, ease of implementation and reduction of costs and construction times. The analysis of the offers will be carried out by experts in the transmission development and construction group.