The European research and innovation project HEROGRID has published its first official press release, marking an important communication milestone following the project’s recent kick-off meeting in Barcelona.

Funded under the Horizon Europe Programme (Project No. 101192630), HEROGRID is a collaborative European initiative focused on making electricity transmission networks smarter, more efficient and more reliable, in line with the objectives of the European Green Deal and the EU’s energy transition strategy

At its core, HEROGRID aims to develop and validate a new Dynamic Line Rating (DLR) concept for High-Temperature Low-Sag (HTLS) power lines. In simple terms, Dynamic Line Rating allows grid operators to determine how much electricity a power line can safely carry in real time, rather than relying on conservative fixed limits. This enables better use of existing infrastructure, helping to increase transmission capacity without the need to build new power lines.

What makes HEROGRID innovative is its focus on self-powered IoT monitoring devices. These smart sensors are designed to operate autonomously by harvesting energy from their environment — such as heat and vibrations from the power lines themselves — eliminating the need for batteries or external power supplies. Combined with artificial intelligence–based models, the system will provide continuous, real-time data on grid performance, improving reliability while reducing operational and maintenance costs.

By enabling a more flexible and data-driven operation of existing electricity infrastructure, HEROGRID will support the large-scale integration of renewable energy sources, helping Europe meet growing electricity demand while reducing its carbon footprint.

HEROGRID brings together six partners from four European countries, combining expertise in smart grids, microelectronics, energy harvesting, artificial intelligence and project communication. The project is coordinated by ENERGIOT, with partners Instituto de Microelectrónica de Barcelona (IMB-CNM, CSIC), Fraunhofer IIS, TEGnology ApS, University of Maribor, and PKF Attest innCome I+D+i working together to deliver the project’s objectives

With the release of its first press communication, HEROGRID takes a key step in sharing its vision and progress with stakeholders and the wider public. Further updates will follow as the project advances towards developing next-generation solutions for Europe’s electricity grids.