Researchers use satellite AI to manage fire risk at Australian solar farm

Researchers from CSIRO and Macquarie University are utilizing satellite-based remote sensing and artificial intelligence to manage vegetation and fire risks at the New England Solar Farm in New South Wales. Partnering with Acen Corp, the project aims to balance agricultural activities, such as livestock grazing with over 6,000 sheep, against the operational and insurance requirements of the 720 MW solar and battery facility.

The initiative employs hyperspectral imagery from Germany’s EnMAP satellite to monitor grass height, moisture, and biomass at a biochemical level. This data allows operators to distinguish between moist grass and dry, flammable fuel, helping to protect critical assets like transformers and cabling from fire hazards.