Cyberhawk Collaborates with ESB to Enhance Network Resilience After Severe Storms

Cyberhawk Teams with ESB for Enhanced Network Stability

In a noteworthy development in the realm of energy infrastructure, Cyberhawk™, a global leader in drone-based asset inspection and visual data management, has partnered with the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) in Ireland to bolster network resilience following severe storms. This collaboration comes as part of ESB's Winter Resilience Program aimed at addressing extensive storm damage while leveraging advanced drone technology and data management platforms.

Overview of the Partnership

The ESB, which serves as Ireland's national electricity provider, has enlisted Cyberhawk's services under a five-year contract to conduct critical inspections across its extensive transmission and distribution networks. Historically focused on high-voltage transmission infrastructure, the partnership has expanded its scope following significant damage inflicted by consecutive storms, named Darragh and Eowyn, in late 2024 and early 2025. These storms resulted in power outages that affected over 700,000 households and businesses across the country, emphasizing the need for a rapid and efficient response strategy.

Cyberhawk deployed drone teams along 180 kilometers (112 miles) of ESB's distribution network, particularly targeting over 1,000 heavily forested areas where storm impacts were most severe. Utilizing their proprietary iHawk™ visual data management platform, the ESB was able to visualize and catalog storm-related damages, such as fallen trees and infrastructure compromises, quickly and intuitively. This capability allowed for efficient debris clearance and targeted maintenance planning, critical for restoring normal operations.

The Impact of Advanced Drone Technology

According to Elaine Hannan, Overhead Lines Asset Manager at ESB Networks, the speed and breadth of response were vital in addressing the storm damage. The combination of skilled field staff and Cyberhawk's iHawk platform provided them with unprecedented visibility into the condition of their network. "iHawk delivered a new level of transparency and remote monitoring, bridging the gap between data collection, decision-making, and action, which delivered immediate value to our teams," she stated.

Furthermore, the iHawk platform provided valuable insights into vegetation encroachment issues, facilitating proactive management strategies to bolster resilience against future storm events. The advanced technology not only improved operational efficiency but also contributed to a safer and more reliable electricity supply for the two million customers relying on ESB.

ESB's Commitment to Innovation

The Winter Resilience Program exemplifies ESB’s commitment to enhancing the sustainability, safety, and reliability of electricity services. Company officials express enthusiasm over the partnership with Cyberhawk, signaling a mutual openness to innovation and collaboration that delivers measurable benefits. Patrick Saracco, Senior Vice President EMEA at Cyberhawk, noted, "This program highlights the powerful synergy of aerial imagery and actionable analytics, and we are honored to contribute to strengthening the Irish energy infrastructure against extreme weather events."

Residential and commercial stakeholders alike can look forward to the accelerated innovations that this partnership brings. Through the application of cutting-edge aerial technology combined with data-centric management strategies, future storms can be met with effective preparedness and resilience.

Conclusion

Cyberhawk’s innovative approach and advanced data management tools exemplify the future of infrastructure resilience. The ongoing partnership with ESB signals a shift towards more proactive measures in maintaining energy networks in the face of increasingly severe weather patterns. As climate challenges continue to emerge, the integration of technology in monitoring and response strategies will be paramount in sustaining the integrity of energy systems around the globe. As Cyberhawk continues to expand its operations in over 40 countries, their efforts in Ireland serve as a model for similar collaborations worldwide, paving the path for smarter, more resilient energy solutions.