Neara

Last month had the privilege of joining Herman Trabish on the USEA Power Sector Podcast to explore how Neara’s digital twin technology is changing the game for utilities worldwide. We discussed how utilities can tackle critical challenges – like tension imbalances and wildfire risks – head-on by turning their data into actionable insights. By using Neara’s tools, teams can anticipate issues and make smarter decisions, building more reliable and resilient networks while cutting customer costs. It’s exciting to see how digital models redefine infrastructure management and drive meaningful change across the power sector. A big thank you to Herman for hosting and shining a spotlight on these transformative tools. Listen to the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/gBnWAeny 

This time last week the UK was bracing itself for another bout of extreme weather - and yet again, we saw widespread power cuts across the country. With over a quarter of a million people experiencing blackouts over the weekend, thousands were left without power for days on end in the aftermath of Storm Darragh. Last Friday, our Senior Vice President, Taco Engelaar spoke with Metro.co.uk about how severe storms like Darragh significantly heighten the risk of power outages. As extreme weather events become more frequent, it’s clear that we must take proactive steps to strengthen network resilience. Embracing solutions to better prepare our infrastructure for these conditions is essential to minimising disruption and keeping communities connected this winter.

Three years on from Storm Arwen, what has changed? The short answer: not enough. As storms Bert, Conall and Darragh struck the UK & Ireland in recent weeks, the media was once again flooded with reports on the failure to adequately prepare for extreme weather, and communities were left to deal with the consequences. As the threat posed by these events continues to grow, it seems clearer than ever that we must adopt a more proactive approach to protect ourselves and our infrastructure. In this piece for New Civil Engineer, our Senior Vice President, Taco Engelaar explores how new technologies such as AI and digital modelling can help utilities to make the shift from a reactive to a proactive position - readying our infrastructure for when the next storm blows in.

Extreme weather demands resilient infrastructure – and Neara is leading the charge. Our own Chief Commercial Officer Jack Curtis recently spoke with Sydney Sladovnik of Inc. Magazine, to discuss how our latest $31M Series C funding, led by EQT Group, will support utilities in facing today’s energy resiliency challenges. With this funding, we’ll expand our 3D infrastructure modeling technology beyond the grid into sectors like telecom and public transportation, enhancing preparedness across the board. “Every business, every consumer, is now existentially reliant on electricity,” says Jack. Our virtual grid simulations and AI-powered detection allow utilities to identify risks like fire-starting equipment failures and trees taking down power lines before they escalate – keeping the lights on. #EnergyResilience #Infrastructure #AIinUtilies

As utility demands evolve, integrating digital network models is essential. Our Senior Vice President and Managing Director of the Americas, Robert B., joined journalist Herman Trabish on the USEA (United States Energy Association ) Power Sector Podcast last week to discuss how Neara’s digital modeling technology uses utility data to enhance reliability and reduce customer costs globally. From load growth to wildfire risks, Rob explains how utilities can proactively manage potential challenges using Neara’s technology, creating a more resilient and efficient infrastructure ecosystem. Listen to the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/eHzdQv8r

We're proud to announce our Series C funding round led by EQT Group, joined by Partners Group, and existing investors Prosus Ventures, Square Peg, OIF Ventures, and Skip Capital. Our technology helps utilities execute better, faster decisions about everything from routine operations and load growth planning to emergency scenarios and triple-digit million-dollar-plus hardening decisions. Just recently, CenterPoint Energy, which provides electricity to millions of people in the Houston, Texas area, compressed processes that once took a year and a half to just three hours with Neara. Like electric utilities, other infrastructure sectors we all depend on — from broadband to public transportation — are also racing to shrink planning timescales to support society’s needs while confronting unprecedented pressure from increasingly severe weather and overuse. The new funds will enable us to bring our technology to asset owners in other sectors to improve resiliency. We're thrilled that EQT and Partners Group, two of the world's largest infrastructure owners, are looking to our technology as the answer to solve such existential challenges. Big thanks to our team, customers, and investors for all of the support toward this milestone and many more to come! Jack Curtis, our Chief Commercial Officer, spoke with Katie Fehrenbacher at Axios about our plans. Read more via the link in the comments.

Thank you to Enlit Europe for hosting us in Milan last week and to the brilliant organizations like E.DSO and Eurelectric for their outstanding contributions. Our SVP of Europe, Taco Engelaar, delivered a compelling presentation on why a proactive approach to network optimization is the most crucial factor in achieving a resilient energy transition. We’re leaving this year's event more optimistic than ever about Europe’s energy future, and we’re proud to play an instrumental role in making it bright. Looking forward to Bilbao next year!

Neara held our EU Offsite 2024 with team members from Lithuania, EU, UK and several from US/AU as well. The team participated in great workshops and team bonding adventures–it was a fantastic opportunity for remote teams to mingle! Thanks to our own Nicola Hook and Taco Engelaar for putting the event together. #Offsite #TeamBonding

Neara is honoured to have our Founder, Daniel Danilatos, included on The Australian’s Top 100 Innovators 2024 list in the energy category for our mission to future-proof energy networks around the world. The award honours the best and the brightest Australians leading the way as they turn good ideas into products and services for local and global markets, and innovators making a difference in our world. Neara serves utility customers globally across Australia, North America, and EMEA. Thank you to The Australian for recognizing our innovations to improve energy risk mitigation for utilities to make informed decisions safely, efficiently, and with environmental responsibility.

At Enlit Europe in Milan this week? Don’t miss Taco Engelaar’s presentation on the role of AI in a resilient energy transition on Wednesday at 10:15am during the AI turbocharger session. Stop by stand 5.L74 to chat with Taco, Mary Cleary, Annie Zhou, James Mullin and Francisco Manuel Carramiñana Aguilar.