Smart energy harvesting and transmission for a reliable European electricity grid based on Dynamic Line Rating (DLR) Model for High Temperature Low-Sag (HTLS) Powerlines-HEROGRID

HEROGRID is a European research and innovation project funded under the Horizon Europe Programme – Project 101192630. Its main goal is to develop and validate a new concept of Dynamic Line Rating (DLR) designed for High-Temperature Low-Sag (HTLS) powerlines, using a self-powered IoT sensor network. The project responds to one of the key challenges in Europe’s clean energy transition: how to increase electricity transmission capacity without building new infrastructure. HEROGRID proposes to achieve this by enabling smarter, data-driven operation of existing powerlines through real-time monitoring, AI-based modelling, and energy-autonomous sensing technologies. Europe’s power grid is under growing pressure as electricity demand increases due to the energy transition and the objectives of the European Green Deal, which aim for net zero emissions by 2050. Electricity is expected to rise from 20% to almost 50% of final energy consumption by mid-century, driven by electric vehicles, renewable hydrogen, and the electrification of heating and industry. Most European grids were built for a centralised energy system and are not designed to manage bidirectional and variable power flows from distributed renewables sources. This results in grid congestion and bottlenecks, slowing down the deployment of renewable energy projects. Upgrading infrastructure would require more than €580 billion by 2030, making the digital optimisation of existing assets a priority. Dynamic Line Rating (DLR) systems enable real-time monitoring of powerline conditions to adjust transmission capacity safely. However, existing DLR models are limited to conventional conductors and are not compatible with High-Temperature Low-Sag (HTLS) powerlines, which can operate up to 210°C and increase transmission capacity by around 30%. Current DLR devices also depend on external power or batteries, which create regulatory, environmental and maintenance constraints. Future monitoring systems must therefore be energy autonomous to ensure continuous operation in harsh environments. HEROGRID aims to develop and validate a new concept of Dynamic Line Rating (DLR) for High-Temperature Low-Sag (HTLS) powerlines, using self-powered IoT devices to improve the efficiency and reliability of electricity transmission across Europe. To achieve this, the project will focus on three main technological areas: New AI-based DLR models specifically designed for HTLS powerlines, enabling accurate real-time monitoring and predictive control of grid performance. Novel IoT sensor nodes capable of operating under the high-temperature and environmental conditions typical of HTLS lines. Energy harvesting systems that ensure full power autonomy of the sensors, combining piezoelectric and thermoelectric harvesters with an integrated power management system. In the long term, HEROGRID will establish the technological foundation for a more efficient and cost-effective European electricity grid, reducing operational and maintenance costs and supporting the large-scale integration of renewable energy sources.

HEROGRID is expected to deliver measurable technical, economic and environmental benefits for the European electricity grid, including: Reduction of grid power losses by up to 10%. Reduction of operation and maintenance costs by up to 20%, equivalent to approximately €1.5 million in annual savings per 1,000 km of powerlines. Increase of transmission capacity on HTLS powerlines by up to 20%. Extended device lifetime, with the new DLR IoT sensors operating for more than 15 years without external power supply.