Do you wish to invest in Estonia’s next success stories? Use our 1:1 e-Consulting service to get started.
Estonian energy startup Gridraven has landed a contract with Finland’s national grid operator, Fingrid, to squeeze 30% more power from existing transmission lines using nothing but software. The deal covers 700 kilometres across five major 400-kilovolt transmission lines, with potential expansion to Finland’s entire high-voltage network by year-end.
How it works and why it matters
Gridraven’s Dynamic Line Rating (DLR) technology uses AI and hyper-accurate weather forecasting to calculate exactly how much power transmission lines can safely carry at any given moment. Traditional grid operations rely on conservative static ratings based on worst-case weather scenarios, leaving massive capacity untapped.
Instead of this rigid approach, the AI system considers real-time weather conditions, detailed terrain mapping, and advanced modelling to push transmission lines closer to their actual physical limits—safely. “DLR enables us to operate our transmission system more efficiently and with better real-time insight,” explains Mikko Piironen from Fingrid. The software-only approach means rapid deployment across their entire 400kV network without installing a single sensor or piece of hardware on existing power lines.
The timing is right for this kind of innovation. Power grids worldwide face a brutal problem: electricity demand is exploding (EVs, data centres, heat pumps), but building new transmission lines takes decades and costs billions. Meanwhile, existing lines often run at just 60-70% of their true capacity due to outdated rating methods.
Gridraven’s CEO Georg Rute
Gridraven’s solution could unlock up to 30% additional power annually from existing infrastructure. For Finland, that means more renewable energy integration and a delayed—or eliminated—need for costly new transmission projects.
“We are proud to be selected by Fingrid as the solution provider for increasing the capacity of their transmission grid. This project is globally relevant in demonstrating that sensorless Dynamic Line Ratings offer a scalable, reliable, and rapid way to unlock unused headroom in existing lines. Fingrid is leading the way in embracing innovative solutions, and we’re excited to help accelerate their impact,” comments Gridraven’s CEO Georg Rute.
