Demonstrating the many benefits of Copernicus
The market for Earth Observation (EO) data and services is growing fast. According to EUSPA’s EO and GNSS Market Report, in 2023, global revenues from EO data and value-added services amounted to EUR 3.4 billion. By 2033, that number is set to almost double, reaching nearly EUR 6 billion in revenue.
“EUSPA is dedicated to increasing the use of Copernicus data across all major market segments and, in doing so, helping to create a sustainable and competitive EU Space sector,” says EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa.
Copernicus Demonstrators are one of the tools EUSPA uses to achieve this.
“The Copernicus Demonstrators see EUSPA working with private sector stakeholders and EO companies to demonstrate the value of integrating EO data into real-life operational scenarios, with the goal being to significantly expand the Copernicus user base,” adds EUSPA Head of Market Downstream and Innovation, Fiammetta Diani.
Three recently launched demonstrators showcase EO-based tools and solutions for the insurance and finance, energy, and fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
Take, for example, the Green Energy demonstrator, a web-based spatial planning tool that energy companies can use to help strategically select sites for renewable energy infrastructure.
“We designed this tool with both private and governmental energy stakeholders in mind. It shows how Copernicus data and services can be used to maximise the efficiency, minimise the environmental impact, and ensure the long-term sustainability of renewable energy projects,” explains EUSPA’s Space Downstream Market Officer Eduard Escalona.
Such innovative tools can also be used to reduce permitting delays, enable data driven site selections, cut costs and, ultimately, optimise one’s return on investment.
The tool leverages Copernicus data from the Copernicus Land Monitoring (CLMS), Climate Change (C3S), Atmosphere Monitoring (CAMS) and Marine (CMEMS) services, along with local and ancillary data.
Helping the financial sector assess climate risks and environmental impact
On the insurance and finance side, the ESG Zoning tool showcases how the financial sector can better assess the climate risks and environmental impact of its assets. The demonstrator uses a wide range of Copernicus data to help banking and insurance companies better meet their ESG reporting requirements. The tool leverages Copernicus data from the Copernicus Land Monitoring (CLMS), Climate Change (C3S), Atmosphere Monitoring (CAMS).
“The solution is unique in that it offers both a zoning view for aggregated property data as well as an indicator view that shows the information derived from satellite observation,” says Chiara Solimini, Space Downstream Market Officer at EUSPA. “This dual visualisation capability enables very detailed environmental impact and climate risk assessments on assets.”
Although the ESG Zoning Tool currently only covers areas of the Czech Republic, its geographic reach can be expanded. It was developed in close partnership with Komerční banka, Raiffeisen Bank, Moneta Money Bank and Československá obchodní banka.
From space to sustainable seaweed
Whether used for food, cosmetics, biofuels or pharmaceuticals, Europe’s seaweed market is booming. But if not properly monitored, this boom could negatively impact our oceans.
Addressing this challenge is the Fisheries and Aquaculture demonstrator.
Integrating data about the ecology and state of the ocean from CMEMS and European Marine Observation and Data Network, the demonstrator developed an innovative online tool that aquaculture companies can use to not only minimise their environmental impact, but also monitor water quality and identify seasonal and spatial patterns.
“The tool has the potential to help seaweed farmers locate new sites and better manage their operations – all while reducing overall costs,” explains Stefan Muehlbauer, Innovation Manager at EOMAP, a private sector company that helped develop the tool.
The Copernicus Demonstrators are concrete example on how EO data can be turned into practical solutions. So, get involved, test these tools, and explore how Copernicus can add value to their operations. Contact market@euspa.europa.eu to learn how.
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