Leicestershire, UK, 27 March 2013 – A three year research project that will help the European Commission achieve ambitious renewable energy targets has reached the halfway point. The 2.4 million Euro project aims to support thousands of businesses across the region and help them take a world lead in the design, manufacture and installation of Renewable Energy Technologies. Known has EAGLE, project partners including geographic information company Bluesky providing the technical lead, will achieve this goal through the development of an intelligent web-based renewable energy platform powered by map based data.
“We are on track for a successful conclusion of this ambitious and complex project,” commented Technical Coordinator and Director of Bluesky, James Eddy. “We have already defined what data is available for this project and how each dataset will interface to create a Europe wide solution. Recent activity has focused on the processing of this data and the development of the EAGLE web portal and interface.”
The research project initially focused on the exploitation of geographic data, such as aerial photography and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), for the automatic extraction of information relating to the suitability of a property for renewable energy generation. The second element of the project, now well underway, is to create a web based portal to deliver this information to energy companies, government organisations, installers and individuals providing unbiased information.
Initially focused on solar power generation the longer term aims are to also encompass other types of renewable energy such as wind, hydro and ground source heat, making it the industry’s renewables portal, further enhancing Bluesky’s position at the forefront of this technology.
“By utilising a wide spectrum of geographic data, including 3D imaging such as LiDAR as well as more traditional aerial photographs, address and cadastre data we will have created a solution that can work to a much higher level of detail and accuracy than other automated systems coming to market,” concluded Eddy.
The concluding stages of the project will address the final elements of system integration and validation before moving into a testing phase. Due for completion in 2014 project partners, including Bluesky, will also be involved in marketing and promotion activities to demonstrate the EAGLE solution to potential users.
The title of the research project is “Development and demonstration of a dynamic, web based, renewable energy rating platform” and is funded by the Commission of the European Communities under Framework Programme 7. Framework Programmes (for Research and Technological Development) are funding programmes created by the European Union to support and encourage research. The total fund awarded is 2.4 million Euros commencing from the project start date of 1st November 2011.
Bluesky is working with a number of prestigious organisations from across Europe including the Solar Trade Association in the UK, Svensk Solenergi of Sweden, Solar Macedonia, Alemanys Saludes Asociados from Spain as well as the Universities of Leicester, Karlsruhe in Germany and Selcuk in Turkey. The project will be managed by the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) with Bluesky acting as lead for the technical aspects.
About Bluesky
Bluesky is a UK-based specialist in aerial imaging and remote sensing data collection and processing. An internationally recognised leader with projects extending around the globe, Bluesky is proud to work with prestigious organisations such as Google, the BBC and Government Agencies. Bluesky has unrivalled expertise in the creation of seamless, digital aerial photography, 3D landscape/cityscape visualisations and prints and also runs a national mapping centre, providing digital mapping, satellite imagery and aerial photography including ultra-high resolution imagery of cities and towns. Bluesky is now leading the way developing innovative solutions for environmental applications including the UK’s first nationwide map of solar potential, citywide ‘heat loss’ maps, 3D maps of trees and their proximity to buildings and historical imagery. www.bluesky-world.com