CTC Global, a US-based developer of high-capacity advanced conductors, has launched GridVista System, a platform that provides utilities with real-time, high-resolution data to optimize grid capacity, prevent outages, and lower operational costs.

As part of the launch, the company announced that it has deepened its strategic partnership with Google Cloud and Alphabet's moonshot project Tapestry. As part of the partnership, the company will utilize Google and Tapestry’s AI tools to transform line data into actionable intelligence for grid operators. The companies initially partnered last June.

According to CTC, the system works by utilizing optical fibers embedded within CTC Global’s ACCC Conductor, which provides direct visibility into strain, temperature, and vibration across the entire length of a line. The company claims that this will allow utilities to “identify "hidden" capacity in real-time, pinpoint precise fault locations to prevent wildfires, and shift from reactive maintenance to predictive, data-driven solutions.”

According to CTC, the ACCC conductor provides two times the capacity of conventional conductors, reduces line losses under any load condition, and its high-strength nature offers long-term performance over alternatives.

“Real-time visibility into transmission lines is a game-changer for utilities seeking to improve performance, lower operating risk, and reduce costs,” said J.D. Sitton, CEO of CTC Global. “This new technology addresses critical utility pain points and represents truly next-generation capabilities. CTC’s innovation and partnership with Google Cloud and Tapestry are ushering in a new era of grid intelligence.”

The system will run on Google Cloud’s infrastructure and will be augmented by the hyperscaler's suite of technologies, including Vertex AI, BigQuery data warehousing, Earth Engine, Google Maps imagery analytics, and WeatherNext environmental forecasting.

“To build infrastructure at the scale required for the future, we don't just need power; we need the transmission capacity to transport it,” said Raiford Smith, global director, Power and Energy, Google Cloud. “Our partnership with CTC Global is about getting more out of the grid we already have. By using AI to dynamically assess line conditions, we can help utilities bypass the years of delay and high capital costs, delivering affordable and reliable power faster.”

As part of the agreement, Tapestry will integrate data garnered from GridVista into its comprehensive, virtualized grid model. According to the company, this will allow for better planning and operating decisions.

“GridVista offers a new way to monitor and understand grid dynamics,” said Page Crahan, general manager of Tapestry. “Bringing CTC Global’s advanced technology into the planning process will accelerate speed-to-power by revealing efficient, fast, and affordable paths to expand capacity. It’s a critical step forward in creating a more resilient and reliable grid.”

Tapestry is a Google X 'moonshot project' that, through the use of AI, is building what is claimed to be the first unified model of the grid. Last year, the company partnered with PJM Interconnection, the US’ largest grid operator, to support the operator in facilitating faster grid connection timelines for power projects and large load users, like data centers.