Robotics and AI propel sustainable future at EDP Segovia's PV pilot sites

As photovoltaic (PV) operations increasingly integrate robotics and artificial intelligence, EDP´s Cruz de Hierro and Villacastín power plants in Segovia stand at the forefront, trialling autonomous technologies aimed at enhancing efficiency, safety and profitability in renewable energy management.

The integration of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) into photovoltaic (PV) plant operations is moving forward swiftly, exemplified by the pioneering activities at the Cruz de Hierro and Villacastín power plants in Segovia, northwest of Madrid. Ceferino Viescas, from Global Asset Operations Management at EDP, closely involved with the pilot sites under the TALOS project, provides valuable insights into the operational challenges and innovative solutions being tested.

Viescas describes these locations as part of the Altos del Voltoya hybridisation project, combining both solar and wind energy generation. Each site boasts significant capabilities, with Villacastín housing "14.5 megawatts wind and 13 megawatts solar," and Cruz de Hierro slightly larger at "14.5 megawatts wind and 14 megawatts solar." Operational complexity is underscored by their substantial size, involving "around 25,000 PV panels, 300 trackers, and 56 strings" per site.

Operational challenges at the sites are diverse, according to Viescas. Foremost among these is the reliance on manual labour for key maintenance activities such as panel cleaning and vegetation control. He emphasises, "Activities such as cleaning and mowing are currently performed manually. These activities must be optimised and carried out precisely when needed to maximise efficiency."

The scale of modern PV plants, Viescas highlights, inherently increases operational risks, particularly regarding worker safety. "As sites become larger, the quantity of operations increases, and the probability of injuries rises due to the complexity and frequency of these operations," he says. Additionally, environmental factors present considerable hurdles, with Viescas noting that plants are "exposed to climatic events like rain, snow, winds, and high temperatures that can constrain or delay operations."

Addressing these challenges, TALOS solutions are currently being tested on-site, focusing on autonomous PV panel cleaning and vegetation mowing. Viescas describes the preliminary tests as encouraging but acknowledges the complexities involved. He notes, "Harnessing autonomous machinery's potential requires significant preparatory steps, such as validating component placements, identifying and removing obstacles, securing cabling, and carefully planning robot routes."

Despite these challenges, Viescas expresses optimism about the benefits autonomous solutions promise, primarily enhancing "service quality, automation, and safety." Autonomous robots, he believes, provide continuous operational readiness without reliance on external manpower, significantly boosting efficiency and safety.

The strategic long-term advantages are also clear. "In the long-term, where competitiveness increases and plants become larger, autonomous smart solutions will be essential to maintaining profitability," Viescas asserts. However, he stresses that outdoor applications inherently carry uncertainties, such as "weather conditions, communication losses, and unplanned human activities," which require robust, adaptable robot systems to handle safely and effectively.

EDP's collaboration with the TALOS consortium has proven valuable. Viescas emphasises the importance of cross-sector knowledge sharing, stating, "Working with partners from diverse fields provides better perspectives and helps develop effective solutions."

Finally, considering financial viability, Viescas discusses the importance of comprehensive assessments. He argues that robotic solutions offer two clear economic benefits: "Reducing operational costs by automating repetitive tasks and enhancing plant productivity and safety by performing essential maintenance activities continuously and safely."

Through dedicated collaboration and strategic innovation, these EDP pilot sites exemplify how robotics and AI can reshape the future of renewable energy operations.

This article is the first of three interviews with the pilot site owners where the TALOS project solutions are being tested. Through these conversations, we explore how robotics and AI are being deployed in real-world photovoltaic environments, shedding light on the operational challenges, innovative solutions and long-term benefits these technologies promise.

Project Coordinator:

• Daniel Albuquerque, EDP
• daniel.albuquerque@edp.pt

Communication & press contact:

• Cesar G. Crisosto, ICONS
• cesar.crisosto@icons.it

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