Geospatial AI platforms combine spatial and engineering data – including geospatial, drone, sensor, CAD and BIM datasets – into unified 2D/3D visual environments for infrastructure planning. In power systems, these platforms can support route selection, substation planning and transmission development by allowing utilities to visualize assets and terrain conditions, test design options and identify potential constraints earlier in the project lifecycle.  

By creating a shared digital view across planning, engineering and delivery teams, geospatial AI can improve coordination between stakeholders, reduce reliance on fragmented project data and support faster decision-making during infrastructure development. The platforms can also help utilities identify constructability risks, reduce surveying requirements and improve consistency between planning and execution phase.  

Their value increases when deployed across an infrastructure portfolio rather than used on a project-by-project basis. Portfolio-wide access can standardize digital planning capabilities across major grid projects, reduce reliance on bespoke processes and support more consistent decision-making. This is particularly relevant for grid expansion, where utilities need to deliver new connections, substations and transmission upgrades while managing cost, delivery risk and stakeholder complexity. 

Main Outcomes of the Solution 

• Affordability: Standardized digital planning platforms can reduce engineering and development costs by improving route selection, reducing rework and avoiding late-stage project changes. 
• Institutional Efficiency & Transparency: Structured pilot-to-scale models can improve coordination across procurement, engineering and technology partners, accelerating deployment of tested digital tools across utility organizations. 
• Reliability & Flexibility: Faster and better-informed infrastructure planning can reduce project delays, support grid expansion and improve delivery of substations, transmission upgrades and new connections. 

Key Deployment and Scaling Factors 

1. Define scalability requirements at the pilot stage, including integration needs, governance processes and criteria for enterprise deployment 
2. Establish dedicated coordination between innovation, procurement, engineering and operational teams to maintain continuity from pilot to full deployment 
3. Standardize digital tool access and procurement across infrastructure portfolios to reduce duplication and improve consistency between projects 
4. Integrate geospatial AI tools with existing GIS, CAD and engineering workflows to lower adoption barriers and support operational usability 
5. Ensure access to high-quality and interoperable spatial, engineering and asset data to support accurate visualization, modelling and planning decisions 

Case study 

National Grid and Sensat (2022–2025), United Kingdom 

National Grid Partners (NGP) – the corporate venture and innovation arm of National Grid – supported deployment of Sensat’s geospatial AI platform across major infrastructure projects in the United Kingdom. The platform was used within National Grid’s Strategic Infrastructure program to support transmission planning, substation upgrades and grid connections for new data centers. Reported early deployments identified operational benefits including reduced surveying timelines, improved coordination across planning, engineering and delivery teams, and earlier identification of planning and routing constraints. The platform was also integrated with existing GIS, CAD and engineering workflows, supporting adoption within established utility planning processes 

In December 2025, National Grid’s Strategic Infrastructure team formalized a portfolio-wide agreement extending access to the platform across major electricity infrastructure projects in England and Wales, replacing the previous project-by-project deployment approach. Based on earlier deployments, Sensat reported that the arrangement could reduce development timelines by up to 25% through earlier decision-making and faster stakeholder coordination.  

The case illustrates how portfolio-wide deployment models, combined with workflow integration and internal coordination, can support broader adoption of digital planning technologies within regulated utility environments. 

References:

1. Positioning Pilots to Scale – National Grid Partners 
2. National Grid Expands Use of Sensat’s Digital Platform to Support Infrastructure Planning – Sensat 
3. National Grid Partners Invests $20M in Startups to Transform the Grid – National Grid US 
4. The NextGrid Alliance – National Grid Partners 
5. National Grid Partners Commits $100 Million to Invest in AI Startups Advancing the Future of Energy – National Grid US