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Grid sensor startup Heimdall Power has raised a $25 million Series B to expand internationally with a focus on the U.S., the company tells Axios.

Why it matters: With the surge in clean energy demand, utilities are increasingly turning to grid-enhancing technologies.

How it works: Heimdall's 8-pound bowling ball-sized sensor can be installed on a live power line in a few minutes using an autonomous drone, and it charges via the power line.

The sensor — called dynamic line rating in industry speak — transmits real-time data about the heat and capacity of the power line.

Power lines without sensors are limited by the anticipated heat of the line. "It's like driving without a speedometer. If you don't know how fast you're going, you don't want to speed," says Heimdall Power CEO Jørgen Festervoll.

Dynamic line rating sensors can unlock hidden capacity on a line, which was already there but not usable without a sensor. Heimdall says it can add 40% of additional capacity to power lines.

The big picture: Grid-enhancing technologies include a suite of digital technologies like dynamic line rating that can help utilities expand the use of existing lines without having to build out new ones.

The surge in clean energy demand is pushing utilities to finally take grid-enhancing technologies seriously. Over the last three years, the market has changed dramatically, says Festervoll.

The technologies will enable utilities to meet soaring demand in the short term.

Zoom in: The round was co-led by energy company Orlen, Nordic fund manager NRP Zero and the Steinsvik family office.

Festervoll tells Axios that the U.S. is a key market for the Norwegian company, and he's been spending most of his time in the U.S. on utility projects (as well as the grid modernization summit at the White House in May).

Recently, Minnesota-based utility Great River Energy bought 52 of Heimdall's sensors after piloting four that boosted the utility's line capacity by over 40%.

The funding "should give us the runway we need to get to cash flow positive," said Festervoll.

What's next: Heimdall will need to scale up commercially, execute on its U.S. projects and navigate the various state public utility commissions that govern grid investments.

Exclusive: Heimdall raises $25M for grid sensor

The bowling ball sized sensors can expand line capacity by 40%.

A sensor placed on a power line, made by startup Heimdall Power

A bowling ball-sized sensor on a power line, made by startup Heimdall Power. Image: Courtesy of Heimdall Power 

Electric grid

Grid sensor startup Heimdall Power has raised a $25 million Series B to expand internationally with a focus on the U.S., the company tells Axios.Why it matters: With the surge in clean energy demand, utilities are increasingly turning to grid-enhancing technologies.

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Exclusive: Heimdall raises $25M for grid sensor

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