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Satellites: Our answer to remote monitoring andcontrol of energy infrastructure

ByE NEWSJune 11, 20232 Mins read588

Satellite view of Earth surface. Photo by NASA on Unsplash

By: Professor Dato’ Ir. Dr. Norashidah Md Din

Malaysia has developed a comprehensive energy transition plan that aims to shift the country’s energy mix towards cleaner, more sustainable forms of energy, such as hydroelectric, solar, and wind energy, while also promoting economic growth and energy security. The transition to cleaner forms of energy is necessary to address a range of environmental, economic, and social challenges, in providing a more sustainable and prosperous future. Revolutionizing the national energy infrastructure is a critical step in achieving this transition, on the one hand. On the other hand, satellite technology is becoming more and more significant for the energy sector because it provides several advantages and opportunities to enhance energy generation, transmission and distribution.

Satellite technology has the potential to transform the energy sector by providing valuable data, insights, and capabilities that can help to optimize performance, increase efficiency, and reduce costs, while also promoting the development of cleaner, more sustainable forms of energy.

There are several types of satellite data that can be used for the study of the energy infrastructure over a wide geographic area. The three most common types are optical, radar and atmospheric data. The specific data used will depend on the goals required and the types of variables being analysed. Optical sensors on satellites can capture high-resolution images of the Earth’s surface, which can be used for a range of spatial studies. These images can be used to identify land use patterns, map changes in vegetation cover, and detect surface water bodies. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), which is a United States (US) government agency responsible for US space, aeronautics and aerospace research, provides a wide range of optical imagery of the Earth’s surface through various satellite missions and programs.

Satellites equipped with atmospheric sensors can capture data on temperature, humidity, air quality, and other atmospheric variables. This data can be used for weather forecasting, air quality monitoring, and climate change studies, among other things. There are several satellites that carry atmospheric sensors, and each satellite may carry a different combination of sensors depending on its specific mission objectives.

Commercial satellite operators such as DigitalGlobe, Airbus Defence and Space, Planet Labs, and others, also provide data with varying specifications and capabilities. These commercial satellites cater to different customer needs, and the choice of satellite depends on specific requirements, including desired resolution, coverage area, revisit frequency, and budget considerations.

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^{The author is the Director, Institute of Energy Infrastructure, Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN)}