E.ON, Coventry City Council, and Kestrix Launch Thermal Drone Project to Improve Energy Efficiency

E.ON, Coventry City Council, and Kestrix Launch Thermal Drone Project to Improve Energy Efficiency

(IN BRIEF) E.ON, Coventry City Council, and Kestrix have partnered to enhance energy efficiency in the city using thermal camera drones and 3D heat loss modelling to collect data on heat losses from buildings. This collaboration aims to improve energy performance and contribute to the UK’s climate targets. The drones efficiently identify heat dissipation from buildings, allowing for targeted energy-saving measures. The project utilizes machine learning algorithms to determine the most effective and cost-efficient improvements. The partnership is part of E.ON’s global innovation network and the Free Electrons Open Innovation Program, with the first drone flights set to take place soon.

(PRESS RELEASE) ESSEN, 12-Feb-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — E.ON, Coventry City Council, and the technology startup Kestrix have teamed up to launch an innovative pilot project aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and reducing heat losses in the city. The collaboration utilizes thermal camera drones and advanced 3D heat loss modelling to gather large-scale data on energy performance, particularly focusing on heat dissipation. This initiative aims to support the UK’s climate goals and improve energy efficiency at the municipal level.

The project, which has been dubbed the “Google Maps of Thermal Efficiency,” employs drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras to assess buildings from an aerial perspective, typically from 50 meters away. The drones can quickly and accurately identify where and how heat escapes from structures. This method, which takes just a few minutes, is significantly more efficient than traditional methods, which often require hours of in-person visits. By offering a clearer picture of the costs involved in heating a building, this solution allows for targeted energy-saving measures in the homes that need them most. The 3D heat loss models also provide valuable insights into where improvements can be made, while machine learning algorithms help determine the most effective and cost-efficient upgrades.

Mark Ritzmann, CEO of E.ON Group Innovation, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “This pilot with Kestrix exemplifies how we are leveraging our global innovation network and collaborating with startups to drive the energy transition. Kestrix’s technology directly addresses a critical challenge in the heat transition, helping reduce costs for homeowners while also cutting CO2 emissions.”

The first drone flights are scheduled to take place in the near future. Once the data is collected, it will be processed and analyzed, after which the project team will engage with local residents to discuss potential improvements in energy efficiency. These consultations may also include options for financing the necessary upgrades.

E.ON’s partnership with Kestrix emerged from the Free Electrons Open Innovation Program, where E.ON, along with other major global utilities, collaborates with promising startups to develop solutions for the evolving energy landscape. Kestrix, a finalist in Free Electrons 2024, was integrated into E.ON Group Innovation, marking its first application in the Coventry project.

About the collaboration with Kestrix

The collaboration between E.ON and Kestrix emerged from the Free Electrons Open Innovation Program, where E.ON and other leading global utilities, along with promising startups, jointly develop innovative solutions for the new energy world. As a finalist of Free Electrons 2024, Kestrix was integrated into the organization by E.ON Group Innovation and is now being used in its first application together with E.ON UK in the Coventry project. Through Free Electrons, E.ON Group Innovation has launched a series of pilot projects across Europe, with Kestrix being the latest.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by E.ON Group Management and other information currently available to E.ON. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. E.ON SE does not intend, and does not assume any liability whatsoever, to update these forward-looking statements or to align them to future events or developments.

Media Contact:

Teresa Marie Jäschke
Spokeswoman
tel:+49 151 51030303
teresa.jaeschke@eon.com

SOURCE: E.ON