A powerline fault detection system invented at RMIT is being rolled out globally thanks to $50 million in new funding.
The system uses sensors mounted on poles as far as 10km apart to detect stressed or failing components in powerlines before they cause faults, preventing power outages and bushfires.
IND Technology, the RMIT spinoff company developing the system, has expanded its footprint over the past decade with offices in Australia, the US, Canada and Malaysia, counting major utilities in Australia and North America among its customers.
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Now, the company has secured $50 million to further accelerate the deployment of its Early Fault Detection system, which has already prevented an estimated 500 fire events globally.
The latest investment is co-led by US-based energy sector specialists Angeleno Group and Energy Impact Partners, with Virescent Ventures serving as the Australian partner, alongside backing from Edison International, one of the world’s largest electric utility holding companies.
IND Technology CEO and RMIT Professor Alan Wong said what mattered now was getting the technology to where it could make the greatest difference.
“This support is a strong affirmation of the value of homegrown innovation and in Australia’s ability to lead in practical, life-saving engineering,” he said.
“We’re committed to working closely with utilities to embed a prevention-first approach into energy networks and help protect the communities they serve.”
IND Technology will also use the capital to expand its machine-learning engineering team, further enhancing the platform’s ability to interpret complex fault data and deliver actionable insights for utilities.
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IND Technology is growing rapidly with approximately 15,000 Early Fault Detection units now sold across six countries and is used by major utilities including AusNet Services, Powercor, Western Power, Endeavour Energy in Australia, Southern California Edison, PPL Electric and PG&E in the US, and Fortis Alberta and ATCO in Canada.
Virescent Ventures managing partner Kristin Vaughan said, “This is exactly the kind of innovation needed to underpin the electrification of the global economy. It is smart, proactive, data-driven technology that delivers immediate benefits for communities, utilities, network operators and the broader economy.”
