Electricity grids in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are facing increasing pressure. Years of under-investment have left many networks struggling to keep up with the rising demand of industrial electrification. Upgrading outdated infrastructure such as transformers, conductors, and transmission lines is essential, but hindered by supply chain issues and rising costs.
To overcome this, utilities are now turning to smart, grid-enhancing technologies, which offer a cost-effective way to extend the life of existing assets, improve reliability, and reduce the risk of unexpected failures.
One of the most significant risks to ageing grid infrastructure is partial discharge. This occurs when electrical insulation begins to break down, creating small short circuits that can lead to serious faults over time. While not immediately catastrophic, partial discharge gradually weakens insulation, eventually resulting in major failures and expensive repairs.
Monitoring for partial discharge allows utilities to identify these issues early and act before failures occur. This proactive approach not only prevents outages but also helps avoid the high costs and long delays associated with emergency repairs and equipment replacement.
Partial discharge monitoring can be applied at any point during an asset’s life, from commissioning to late-stage operation. It is particularly important for older or system-critical equipment operating at voltages above 1 kV.
There are both off-line and online monitoring methods available. Off-line testing is often used during commissioning or when a line is de-energised, while online monitoring allows for continuous assessment of equipment in operation. Although online monitoring can be more complex due to signal noise, it enables utilities to observe and assess their assets in real time.
Monitoring can be conducted in different ways, from short-term measurements to permanent installations. However, interpreting the data collected requires experience and expertise to translate it into meaningful maintenance actions.
With accurate data and the right tools, utilities can shift from reactive or scheduled maintenance towards predictive maintenance. This approach uses continuous data and advanced analytics to forecast failures and guide timely intervention.
Ampacimon’s GridLife suite, including the PDEye platform, is designed to support this shift. PDEye gathers real-time data from permanently installed sensors across a wide range of asset types, including cables, transformers, substations, motors, and switchgear. The system uses advanced artificial intelligence to detect defects with 98 percent accuracy, providing instant alerts and detailed evaluations.
The platform can identify fault types, assess their severity, and pinpoint their location. It supports multiple insulation types including XLPE, air, oil, and SF6. By automating much of the analysis, PDEye empowers both expert and non-expert teams to make fast, informed decisions that reduce maintenance costs and extend asset life.
The modernisation of the grid in the MENA region is well underway. A recent report from Credence Research estimates the market for smart grid technologies in the region will reach 2.6 billion US dollars by 2032, driven by digital transformation and the growth of renewable energy.
Partial discharge monitoring is a vital part of this shift. It gives utilities a clearer picture of their asset health and supports smarter maintenance strategies. While not every fault can be detected through partial discharge monitoring, it remains an essential tool in improving reliability and managing risk.
To learn how Ampacimon can support your grid modernisation goals with cutting-edge monitoring and AI-powered insights, get in touch with our team today. Let’s build a more resilient grid together
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