Aboitiz Renewables Inc., the renewable energy arm of Aboitiz Power Corporation, has adopted artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies to shield vital infrastructure against natural hazards and ensure reliable operations.
Digital twins, electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), and Light Detection and Ranging or LiDAR are used to create a dynamic virtual replica of the terrain wherein a facility is situated.
The AI-powered system enables periodic monitoring of terrain data to predict landslides with unmatched precision. Combined, high-resolution LiDAR scans and in-depth ERT data allow Aboitiz Renewables to detect geohazard risks early, enabling engineers to take immediate action and minimize risk.
“We’re not waiting for risks to materialize—we’re actively predicting and preventing them,” explained Galen Alova, Aboitiz Renewables SAVP for Reliability, Engineering & Asset Management. “By leveraging A.I. technology, we give our engineers the tools to continuously monitor and assess potential landslides, enabling us to maintain safe, reliable energy production with minimal disruption.”
This system is already running in Aboitiz Renewables’ run-of-river hydropower plants operated by Hedcor, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aboitiz Renewables.
“Our focus is to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of clean energy as much as possible, no matter the external challenges,” said Noreen Vicencio, Aboitiz Renewables First Vice President and General Manager for Hydro Operations. “This A.I. technology enables our engineers to better anticipate potential risks, minimize disruptions, and even help secure the communities we serve.”
Looking ahead, Aboitiz Renewables plans to expand its geohazard management capabilities. While the system currently integrates earthquake-induced risks into its landslide simulations, ongoing developments will allow it to incorporate additional geohazard data, further strengthening the company’s ability to address a broader range of risks and enhance the resilience of its renewable energy assets.
“With these advancements, we are helping shape a more secure and sustainable energy future,” said Vicencio. “It’s about using innovation to protect not only our operations but also the communities and the environment that rely on clean, renewable energy.”
