Innovative solutions for fighting rural wildfires presented in Coimbra

Natureye, a partnership between REN and ADAI – Associação para o Desenvolvimento da Aerodinâmica Industrial da Universidade de Coimbra (Association for the Development of Industrial Aerodynamics at the University of Coimbra), is presenting today a set of innovative solutions for fighting rural wildfires. This initiative is part of the Agenda Transform, a consortium involving 56 entities in 30 projects, aimed at digitally transforming the Portuguese forestry sector.

The effectiveness of using high-altitude balloons, video surveillance cameras or drones will be some of the tools presented in an initiative that will also address artificial intelligence and the creation of decision-support system platforms.

The event, which takes place at the Pedro Nunes Institute in Coimbra, will also include a roundtable discussion on the theme of innovation. Moderated by Professor Domingos Xavier Viegas, this debate will feature Pedro Marques, responsible for the Sustainable Networks area at REN; Arlindo Santos, Deputy for Knowledge and Innovation at AGIF; and Carlos Tavares, Deputy Commander of the Regional Emergency and Civil Protection Command in the Coimbra Region.

Natureye is a decision-support centre based on multisensory data, designed to prevent, anticipate, and mitigate risks associated with wildfires. The project employs technological solutions originally developed under the rePLANT project, such as monitoring systems with optical and thermal sensors installed on REN’s very-high-voltage towers, complemented by fire behaviour prediction systems, by improving them and applying them on a national scale.

The Agenda Transform of the PRR aims to digitally transform the Portuguese forestry sector into a resilient and carbon-neutral economy. It aims to improve forest management, optimise industrial processes, and increase the sector's competitiveness. Its implementation, scheduled for completion by December 2025, entails an investment of €129.3 million.