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The EU’s energy dependence is becoming more complicated over the last months, so the EU has no choice but to look for new means of securing its energy supply.

But energy independence shouldn’t come at the cost of the climate. Which is why any decision relating to energy security must be aligned with meeting the EU’s goal of becoming climate neutral by 2050.

How do you strike this delicate balance between energy sovereignty and climate neutrality?

Renewable energy is one answer. 

Today, approximately 22% of the EU’s energy comes from renewable sources. The REPowerEU initiative seeks to not only more than double this, but to do so in just a few years’ time. 

Unfortunately, no ‘magic switch’ can flip to go from our current fossil fuel-based energy system to one based on renewables. But what we do have is EU Space. 

From choosing the best location for wind turbines to understanding how dust storms might impact solar energy production, the EU Space Programme will be a key enabler of Europe’s energy transition. 

Synchronising smart grids

Speaking of supplying the grid, the smart grids that will carry the renewable energy from source to switch will be based on the solid and robust synchronisation provided by GNSS. Specifically, these grids rely on GNSS clocks as a time reference, with atomic clocks serving as a backup in case of an outage. 

To reduce the risk of outages, it is critical that the GNSS signals used for smart grid timing be resilient against interference. Here, not only does Galileo offer grid operators increased accuracy and robustness, the forthcoming Open Service Navigation Message Authentication (OSNMA) will add an extra layer of protection.  

Add to this GNSS receivers’ comparably low cost and the fact that they can be easily implemented into a grid to enable real-time automatic control, and it’s easy to see why Galileo is becoming the go-to-solution for smart grid operators.

The accuracy and robustness of Galileo and the added layer of protection that will be offered by the OSNMA, means that Galileo will be the go-to solution for smart grid operators.

Using GNSS to maintain renewable infrastructure 

GNSS will also play a role in maintaining renewable energy infrastructure and smart grid systems. That’s because the precise positioning services offered by Galileo and EGNOS, together with the latest developments in computer vision-aided navigation, enable the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, to efficiently, effectively and safely inspect renewable energy infrastructure – which is often located in difficult-to-reach and remote locations.

Drones are already used to remotely detect solar panel hotspots, which can reduce power generation, and inspect wind turbine structures. With the recently launched Galileo High Accuracy Service (HAS), this capability will become even more efficient and widespread. 

Using images provided by Sentinel satellites, these GNSS-enabled drones can also be used to inspect and predict landslides. Operators can use this information to monitor critical infrastructure. They may even be able to use it to conduct preventative maintenance, essentially fixing a problem (e.g., shoring up a potential landslide area) before it has a chance to cause damage. 

Selecting the right site for renewable energy infrastructure

Power plant owners want to know where the best place to invest their money is. Thus, choosing the right location for renewable energy infrastructure is a key prerequisite to efficient energy production, and EU Space data makes finding the optimal site easier. 

For example, using information gathered from Copernicus’ satellites and atmospheric models, the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) produces global irradiation models that the renewable energy sector can use to make informed decisions on where to best place solar panels. 

Copernicus data can also be used to optimise the location of wind turbines. According to an article published by Observer, the Copernicus news service, by providing consistent, quality-controlled information about Europe’s past, present and potential future climate, Copernicus, and in particular the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), has emerged as the tool of choice for selecting the right site for wind turbines.

Efficient operations and energy production 

Once a site is selected and built, the next step is to get it up and running. But this is easier said than done, as plant and grid operators face several challenges unique to the renewable energy sector. Amongst these are constantly changing meteorological and atmospheric conditions, which can cause fluctuations in energy production.   

To illustrate, consider the offshore windfarms that dot the coasts of countries like Belgium, Germany, Spain and Portugal. In order to optimise their operations, these energy companies rely on high-quality information about wind variability – information that is made freely available via C3S. Likewise, solar plant operators depend on CAMS aerosol forecasts to better anticipate dust storms, which allow them to take steps to prevent UV-blocking dust from accumulating on their photovoltaic panels.  

Energy producers also rely on Copernicus data to accurately estimate the amount of energy they will be able to generate. For example, grid and plant operators can leverage data on the availability of solar, wind and other resources to more accurately determine which supply is likely to be more abundant. Independent producers use this information to commit how much energy they can supply to the grid, while Transmission System Operators use it to balance supply and demand. 

Energy sovereignty and climate neutrality can go together 

With the support of the EU Space Programme, which was conceived as a means of advancing European autonomy in space, we can build the autonomous renewable energy system that will power an energy independent and climate neutral future for Europe. 

“Today’s energy crisis has a major impact on EU citizens and businesses” concludes EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa. “However, at EUSPA we want to leverage the free data and services provided by EU Space to directly benefit EU citizens, by supporting renewable energies and improving management of grids.”

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the EUSPA website (http://www.euspa.europa.eu).

Home to over 300 of the world’s main seaports and nearly 30% of the global merchant fleet, maritime transportation plays a big role in the European economy. In particular, the EU controls c.a. 30% of the world merchant fleet. That’s why the EU goes to great lengths to ensure its security.

The EU Maritime Security Strategy (EUMSS) promotes international peace and security, respect for international rules and principles, and the sustainability of our oceans with the goal of providing safe maritime operations . 

But, while its focus may be at sea level, the EUMSS very much depends on space. 

“Whether it be Earth Observation data from Copernicus, the precise positioning offered by Galileo and EGNOS, or the secure communications of IRIS² and GOVSATCOM, the services and data provided by the EU Space Programme can go a long way in securing the maritime transport sector,” says EUSPA Executive Director, Rodrigo da Costa.

Commercial vessels queuing outside the port of Piraeus, Greece as seen from Copernicus Sentinel-2

Safety at sea starts with Galileo

GNSS is a critical technology used in maritime navigation systems. However, GNSS signals are vulnerable to interference and spoofing, which can cause user navigation systems to obtain faulty information. Intentional satellite interreference is not a new issue, but, in recent years the maritime industry has been increasingly facing GNSS spoofing incidents (Black Sea in 2017, Shanghai 2019, Louisiana 2020). Erroneous data of a vessel’s position, speed and direction poses real threats to its own operations, but also to surrounding ships, especially those carrying dangerous goods. Between leaving both crew and shipments vulnerable to hijacking and theft and the risk of guiding a vessel off course, the implications of falsifying GNSS signals can negatively impact the Union’s blue economy.

To increase the robustness against GNSS attacks, the EU is currently testing the Galileo OSNMA service. This forthcoming service is an authentication mechanism that allows GNSS receivers to verify the authenticity of GNSS information, ensuring that the data they receive are indeed from Galileo and have not been modified in any way. 

EUSPA-funded, ASGARD project is working to integrate the ONSMA capability in dual frequency shipborne receivers. The main goal is to increase the adoption of Galileo in maritime in order to detect and alert vessels that are under spoofing attacks.

Moreover, Galileo is also an important tool in maritime transportation. Thanks to the increased accuracy, coverage and resiliency it brings, the sector has benefited from better prediction of vessel location, a decrease in collisions, and more efficient manoeuvrings. Galileo has even helped the sector reduce its environmental footprint.    

There’s also the ground-breaking Galileo Return Link Service (RLS), which is part of the Galileo Search and Rescue (SAR) service. Thanks to the RLS, sailors in distress, when equipped with the appropriate beacon, will see a light verifying that their distress signal has been received by emergency first responders and that their location has been established. 

Europe’s eyes on the sea 

Accidents often occur in poor weather conditions where it is difficult or dangerous to deploy manned assets (e.g., helicopters). When an accident happens in a remote area, there may not be the option to send vessels or aircraft to verify the situation. In both contexts, the Copernicus Maritime Surveillance (implemented by EMSA) service can provide valuable additional data to help detect, track and potentially identify the vessels in distress. By doing so, the CMS helps support Search and Rescue efforts. 

More specifically, Copernicus utilises Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images to detect vessels over large areas, this is particularly valuable during the night and through clouds. This capability is especially useful when a vessel loses communication and goes adrift (e.g., following a fire or tracking storm damage). Identifying the location of a vessel optimises the use of search and rescue assets and allows authorities to direct resources to where they are of most use. Optical images can also provide a wealth of information, such as characterising the damage caused or detecting any deployed lifeboats. SAR images generated by Copernicus Sentinel-1 also allow for oil spill detections in remote locations such as the Arctic circle. When combined with GNSS positioning from AIS, authorities can swiftly reach the spill site, understand the extent of the risk and implement necessary actions.

How the EU Space Programme helps address the new challenges of a changing Arctic

Uninterrupted, secure communications across the oceans

Last, are the two new components of the EU Space Programme IRIS2 and GOVSATCOM.  Both are set to ensure uninterrupted communications, even on the open seas. With the addition of IRIS2, the European Union is ramping up digitisation of European society and its economy while looking to make space data more accessible and scalable to many communities, maritime included. The combination of MEO and LEO capabilities of IRIS² will enable the provision of seamless internet connectivity throughout the Union but also around the world, removing communication dead zones. This will be particularly useful for maritime operators who must communicate with the crew onboard the vessel.

Read this: EU Space enables safer maritime operations

Your partner in maritime safety and security 

While the EU Space Programme provides European maritime operators, seafarers and national authorities with tools to enhance safety at sea, optimise navigation performance and protect the oceans, EUSPA itself continually partners with the sector to further leverage the benefits of EU Space. 

“As a user-oriented agency, EUSPA closely follows the needs of maritime users, working together to shape and deliver new space-based services that will further enhance the security and effectiveness of this critical sector,’’ adds da Costa.

For instance, EUSPA has been working with such relevant organisations as the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) and the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) to develop space-based solutions related to navigation, search and rescue and fisheries control. 

EUSPA also contributes to the EFCA and EMSA’s annual workshops, both of which focus on the use of new technologies – including drones – for fisheries surveillance and operational inspections respectively. The EFCA has invited EUSPA to their next annual meeting on 3 May, leveraging the memorandum of understanding between the two agencies, to present the latest work of several EUSPA-supported projects, including Blue Box Porbeagle, which is developing a VMS transceiver using the Galileo Open Service Navigation Message Authentication (OSNMA) service, and GAMBAS, an initiative working on a Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) with Galileo return link capability. 

In addition to this work with maritime agencies, EUSPA also supports the sector through awareness raising measures by providing key market intelligence like our EO and GNSS Market Report, and by offering a range of funding opportunities. 

To learn more about our work in the maritime sector, please contact us at market@euspa.europa.eu. Or download our brochure here.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the EUSPA website (http://www.euspa.europa.eu).

What do semiconductor chips, electric vehicles, solar panels, heat pumps, wind turbines and clean energy technologies have in common?

They all depend on having ready access to critical raw materials like lithium.

“Raw materials are the essential ingredient to achieving our ambitious climate targets,” says EU Commissioner for the Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton. “Without the necessary raw materials, there can be no green transition.” 

According to a recent Eurometaux study, this transition will require huge amounts of raw materials, including aluminium, copper, lithium, nickel, zinc, silicon and cobalt. To give you an idea of what we mean by huge, the report notes that Europe will require 330% more cobalt and a whopping 3,500% increase in lithium. This has been complemented by the study written by the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission.

The problem is Europe simply doesn’t have the capacity to supply enough raw material to meet this demand. As a result, it has traditionally imported its raw materials from the likes of China and Russia. But this dependency means importing materials that are often mined in unsustainable or unresponsible ways. It also makes the EU vulnerable to having its supply cut off, which is exactly what happened following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“Without secure and sustainable access to the necessary raw materials, our ambition to become the first climate neutral continent is at risk,” says European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

In an effort to mitigate its dependence on the extraction, processing and recycling of raw materials, the EU has launched the European Critical Raw Materials Act. The Act aims to build up reserves where supply is at risk by identifying potential strategic projects along the entire supply chain – from extraction to refining, processing and recycling. 

And when it comes to efficiently extracting raw materials from the ground, there’s no better place to start than space. 

With the raw materials sector already leveraging the benefits of GNSS and Earth Observation for everything from exploration to site approval, construction, operations and closure, EU Space is well-placed to play a pivotal role in ensuring the rare earth independence envisioned by the European Critical Raw Materials Act.

Two powerful tools for the mining sector 

Take Earth Observation (EO). The European Commission’s Action Plan on Raw Materials, a precursor to the Critical Raw Materials Act, specifically proposes deploying EO programmes and remote sensing for resource exploration and mining operations. 

The raw materials sector is already using hyperspectral imagery to assess the abundancy of certain minerals at a potential site. When the site is up and running, high-resolution EO data is used to monitor many aspects of a plant’s operations, including pit slopes and ground motion effects. 

The data provided by such Earth Observation programmes as Copernicus complements and enhances traditional detection methods by reducing location errors and providing faster, more accurate information on asset concentration and commercial yields.  

But this is, as they say, just the tip of the iceberg. According to EUSPA’s 2022 EO and GNSS Market Report, as the technology continues to mature, the EO sector will soon offer fit-for-purpose, turn-key solutions that the mining industry can integrate into their own workflows and systems. 

Mining also depends on GNSS. In fact, the sector was an early adapter of augmented GNSS solutions, using it for everything from surveying mining sites to accessing remote areas and enabling the safe operation of heavy machinery. Today, with many activities being increasingly automated, GNSS has become a key enabler for the management of mining operations. 

The use of high-accuracy GNSS in particular is used for such tasks as grading, dozing, drilling, collision avoidance and fleet management. It’s also a key tool for machine guidance, with the determination of excavator bucket wheel position being a critical GNSS application. 

While GNSS and Earth Observation are powerful tools in their own right, the raw materials sector stands to benefit the most when these solutions are used in synergy. For example, mining companies can use services enabled by EO and GNSS data to not only identify the most suitable areas for extracting raw materials, but also to aid in the permitting process, plan their development and monitor their operations. By assessing stability of pit slopes of tailings dams, their combined use is also improving safety around mining operations.

Keeping the green transformation clean 

With all this being said, we cannot ignore the significant environmental impact raw material extraction has. According to EUSPA’s EU Space for Green Transformation Report, mining is amongst the most environmentally harmful activities, impacting land, water, air, biodiversity and human health. 

Thus, as Europe moves forward to secure the raw materials it needs to enable its green transition, it needs to do so in a way that aligns with its climate and environmental priorities. 

Here too, EU Space can help. 

While Earth Observation services may bring the most value in mineral exploration, ground stability monitoring and planning of mining sites, environmental monitoring also draws on EO powered solutions – especially when it comes to post-closure environmental management. For instance, when a mining site closes, companies can use EO data to guide their site clean-up, rehabilitation and waste management.

GNSS also helps mining reduce its environmental footprint. By optimising fleet management during mining operations, it is estimated that the use of precise navigation services can improve the efficiency of mining equipment, especially trucks, in terms of fuel consumption from 1.8 to 2.3%.  Furthermore, Galileo-enabled location-based services can be used throughout industry to track and optimise operations like warehousing and further reduce direct emissions.

Although accurate positioning is important, it alone is not enough. Robustness and resiliency are critical too. Here, companies like Septentrio, which manufactures GNSS components and receivers, are using proprietary algorithms to improve positioning robustness and resilience during operations. As a result, mining companies can maximise efficiency, achieve the highest levels of safety, optimise the utilisation of natural resources and help safeguard the integrity of surrounding ecosystems.

Not only does EU Space help secure the raw materials needed to enable Europe’s green transition, it also ensures the processes for doing so don’t compromise our other sustainability goals.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the EUSPA website (http://www.euspa.europa.eu).