On August 31, 2021, Marubeni Corporation (hereinafter, "Marubeni") signed an exclusive distributorship agreement in Japan with LineVision Inc. (hereinafter, “LineVision”), a U.S. provider of transmission line monitoring technology for efficient transmission line maintenance and operation. As a first step, Marubeni will start a demonstration project on the transmission line owned by Mibugawa Electric Power, Marubeni's subsidiary, from September 15, 2021 (hereinafter, the “Demonstration Project”).

LineVision provides the real-time monitoring and analytics to support transmission operators’ reliable and sustainable grid maintenance and operation. LineVision's patented non-contact LiDAR sensors can be deployed quickly on a large scale without grid interruption. The sensor can monitor the health and detect anomalies in the transmission line. The advanced analytics of the sensor data can dynamically maximize the transmission capacity according to the surrounding environment. This is the technology called Dynamic Line Rating (hereinafter, “DLR”), which can increase the usable capacity of transmission without building new transmission lines.

In Japan, various measures are being discussed to promote the introduction of renewable energies in order to achieve the country’s 2030 greeenhouse gas reduction target. On the other hand, the problem of grid congestion caused by the massive introduction of renewable energy is also a notable concern. To secure enough transmission capacity to support massive deployment of renewable energy, DLR has been proposed as one of various measures in the July 2021 draft of the 6th Basic Energy Plan by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. In addition, there is a growing need for predictive maintenance to help manage aging transmission lines installed in the 1960s and 1970s. The Demonstration Project has been awarded a subsidy for promoting the advancement of industrial security by Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

As the exclusive distributor of LineVision technology in the Japanese market, Marubeni will strive to achieve its action plans for “Contributing to low-carbon/carbon-free goals through business activities”, a goal which was set forth in the "Marubeni Long-Term Vision for Climate Change" announced in March 2021. Marubeni will also continue to aim for the achievement of the Japanese renewable energy target and safe and secure power supply with LineVision's technology. In addition, as stated in the "DX Strategy" announced in February 2021, Marubeni is accelerating its growth by utilizing digital technology in the execution of strategies in each business domain. Marubeni will create a new business model and expand its electric power service business by providing solutions that address social issues through the use of cutting-edge digital technology, in addition to its legacy existing strength in the power generation business, where Marubeni has traditionally been strong.

＜About LineVision＞
Company	:	LineVision Inc.
Location	:	Boston, MA, United States
Founded	:	June 2018
CEO	:	Hudson Gilmer
Business	:	Providing non-contact sensors and data analysis solutions for power lines
HP	:	https://www.linevisioninc.com

 

【LineVision’s patented technology at the Demonstration Project in Japan】